Reducing Unnecessary ER Visits

Listen Now

In 2008, two Colorado safety net clinics were awarded grants to pilot a pair of projects aimed at reducing unnecessary emergency room visits. One in Alamosa tries to intercept people before they're treated at an E.R., and channel those with minor complaints to a new urgent care clinic. In Colorado Springs, they catch patients on the back end - after an emergency room visit an outreach worker gives them information on options for next time. The state's Medicaid director says both are working. Eric Whitney reports.