COLUSA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER,
Caring for our Community

California’s Emergency Rooms: On the Front Lines of Care

Just like police and fire departments, California’s emergency departments are on the front lines, responsible for the health and safety of their communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  And California’s ERs are fulfilling their mission to care for their communities despite facing incredible obstacles today from overcrowding and overstretched resources. 

Currently one in five Californians – roughly seven million people -- have absolutely no health insurance.  Without health insurance, many patients simply put off medical care until they end up in the ER, much sicker and requiring more care than they would have had they been visiting a doctor on a regular basis.  And, despite new programs designed to help the uninsured, the cost of providing their care continues to escalate.  According to the California Hospital Association (CHA), California hospitals are spending more than $6 billion a year to provide care for which they receive no payment – nearly three times the amount spent a decade ago.

Hospital ERs are also seeing more and more patients today.  CHA reports that ER visits today total more than 9.5 million per year, up from only about 8 million ER visits a decade ago. 

Although the uninsured are partially responsible for this influx of patients, surprising new research has found that it’s also patients with insurance who are crowding the ERs.  For these patients, the ER appears to be the best – and sometimes only -- option for receiving immediate treatment in the event of a sudden illness or injury.   

According to a recent survey sponsored by the California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF), one of the major reasons why so many Californians are turning to the ERs for non-emergency needs is the exceptional quality of care delivered, day in and day out.  In spite of the challenges California’s overcrowded ERs face, patients still find that the ERs offer unparalleled access to diagnostic testing and specialist care in a user-friendly setting.

In addition to providing top-notch care for everyday injuries, California’s ERs always stand ready to respond in the event of a major catastrophe such as an earthquake, flood or pandemic flu. 

Californians know that they can count on their ERs to be prepared for any possible scenario – whether it’s a minor car accident or a major disease outbreak.  Just like police and fire – our emergency departments are always there when we need them.  

Part II of this article will address what Colusa Regional Medical Center is doing to meet the increasing demands for urgent and emergency care in Colusa County.  For more immediate information, you can contact Charla Parker, Director of Community Relations and Strategic Planning at (530) 458-5821 x396 or cparker@colusamedicalcenter.org.

Colusa Regional Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer.