Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Medical Assistance Services
 
Board
Board of Medical Assistance Services
 
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6/18/20  7:52 pm
Commenter: Caroline Benz

Stop the ER Utilization Program
 

Implementing restrictions on emergency room visits would first and foremost negatively impact patients, especially already disadvantaged and minority patients. Decreased reimbursements would mean fewer physicians, leading to longer wait times and poorer service. This proposal would also worsen health inequities that have already been highlighted during the pandemic. From my experience in ERs, most "preventable" visits consisted of uninsured patients unable to access primary care or consistent, continuous care. The solution is not to discourage such visits; it lies in improving access to primary and preventive care.

CommentID: 80557