Oral

This session will examine the problem of unnecessary use of emergency rooms and on approaches to improving coordination to improve appropriate utilization of levels of care. There will be particular focus on safety net providers where low income and rural patients receive the bulk of their care in many communities, especially community health centers, and hospital emergency rooms. Safety net providers often face specific difficulties with care coordination. These barriers are faced by primary care providers around the country as well. Innovative projects that have contributed to improved coordination and reduced duplication of services will be described. Specific factors that contribute to improved quality of care in hospital will be presented.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe an evidence-based approach for reducing pediatric use of emergency rooms. 2. List three barriers to coordination between safety net providers and emergency rooms and at least one approach to overcoming each barrier. 3. Explain the role of hospital characteristics in rural-urban differences in hospital performance.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)