Community-Level Characteristics of Timely PCP Follow-Up Care and Post-Discharge ER Usage. Issue 1 (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mitchell, Jordan; Li, Xiao; Decker, Phillip J.
• Is Part Of: Hospital topics. Volume 101:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Housing unit density -- primary care physician (PCP) -- emergency room visits (ER visits) -- post-discharge; Hospitals -- Administration -- Periodicals; Hospitals -- Periodicals; 362.11068
• DOI: 10.1080/00185868.2021.1955061
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0018-5868

Abstract

Abstract: Achieving equitable access has been a central goal in healthcare for years; access by low-income Americans is a major concern for policymakers. We examined the differences in post-discharge primary care follow-up visits and 30-day post discharge ER visits across several characteristics. The results suggest that higher housing density, percent minority population, percent unemployed, and percent uninsured point to lower rates of PCP follow-up care and higher rates of post-discharge ER visits. These findings have implications for developing cost-effective programs targeting hospital to PCP communication, especially in densely populated areas.