What Illness Lands the Most Seniors in the ER?

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found complications from diabetes is the most common reason why seniors wind up in the emergency room (ER). In addition, they are often hospitalized longer and require more treatment and resources, reports HealthDay News . "Efforts to improve care for vulnerable older Americans should focus on enhancing delivery and decreasing utilization," argues University of California, San Diego Professor Edward Castillo. The researchers analyzed 2014 data on older Californians who visited an ER six times or more that year. The most common illnesses resulting in an ER visit were diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease. Frequent users had a greater likelihood to have been admitted/transferred and to discontinue care. They also were more likely to have multiple health problems, with 20 percent visiting three or more hospitals during the study year. "This study shows that there are opportunities for cost savings and more targeted preventive efforts across the care continuum for seniors," says West Health's Kelly Ko. "We can do more to help seniors stay healthier and potentially limit the number of times they have to visit the emergency department."