ED Physicians Predict Reform Law Will Worsen Crowding

Nearly 90% of emergency department physicians say that ED visits will increase as the federal health reform law is implemented and a growing number of insured patients are unable to access primary care services, according to an American College of Emergency Physicians survey. The survey -- which polled 1,768 ED physicians nationwide -- found that about 97% of ED physicians report treating patients who have private insurance and were referred to the ED for care by their primary care physician. The survey also found that 97% of ED physicians reported treating Medicaid patients daily because they were unable find a physician who accepted their insurance.

• "Emergency Room Doctors Say Health Law Will Make ER Crowding Worse" (Rovner, "Shots," NPR, 4/28).
• "ED Docs Sound Alarm on Overcrowding" (Clark, HealthLeaders Media, 4/29).