A recent presentation linked unemployment rates in Tampa, Fla., to the decreasing patient volume at a level 1 trauma center, which is an example of a broader trend of patients waiting longer to seek medical attention, according to an American Medical News report.
The presentation indicated that patient volume in the trauma center decreased from 2,065 cases in 2007 to 1,743 in 2009, according to the report. One reason for the decrease could be fewer people working construction jobs and sustaining work-related traumatic injuries due to the poor economy. Another speculation is that with fewer people driving to and from work, there are fewer traffic accidents resulting in traumatic injury.
The number of patient visits in the emergency department increased from 2008 to 2009 by 12 million visits, but anecdotally primary care physicians report more patients with broken bones arriving at their offices instead of the ED. The report also noted a growth in urgent care center visits, potentially due to patients' fear of losing their jobs if they take time away from work to receive medical attention.
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The number of patient visits in the emergency department increased from 2008 to 2009 by 12 million visits, but anecdotally primary care physicians report more patients with broken bones arriving at their offices instead of the ED. The report also noted a growth in urgent care center visits, potentially due to patients' fear of losing their jobs if they take time away from work to receive medical attention.
Related Articles on Orthopedic Surgery:
6 Statistics on Orthopedic Surgeon Practice Management
20% Anticipated Growth in Orthopedics Drives Plan for $10M Addition at Holland Hospital in Michigan
15 Spine Surgeons Discuss Patient Satisfaction