How Much Are Patients to Blame for ER Overuse?

How Much Are Patients to Blame for ER Overuse?
AP Photo/David Goldman

The U.S. rings the bell on health care spending, and some point fingers at patients themselves.

But why do patients choose the paths they choose? Just about every shift, I and my coworkers shake our heads, and wonder what may be driving our patients' decisions. Parents who haven't yet tried a drop of acetaminophen bring kids in at 2 a.m. with fevers. Patients show up with nose bleeds that have already stopped bleeding out in the car. Sprained ankles roll in by ambulance.



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