Emergency Service Ratings In Midwest States Vary Widely
The state of emergency healthcare services varies widely in the Midwest, but a new study by the American College of Emergency Physicians concludes it is mostly subpar all around.
Michigan was one of the worst performers in the United States, according to ACEP. It ranked 46th among 50 states, and received an overall grade of “D.” It received a failing grade for its availability of on-call specialists to provide care.
Officials say payment rates and the state's overall health of its citizenry was to blame.
"Michigan has worked to improve our quality and patient safety environment, but a large number of patients in our state are delaying medical care or not getting the care they need because of financial barriers and limited access to on-call specialists," said Michael Baker, M.D, an Ann Arbor practitioer who is the president of the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians. "Michigan's Medicaid fee levels for office visits are among the lowest in the nation. The state must work to improve access to care by reducing these financial barriers and increasing the capacity of hospitals. Legislation is needed to improve access to on-call specialists by reducing medico-legal barriers and protecting access to care for emergency patients throughout the state."
Illinois was ranked 45th overall. Its overall grade dipped from a “C” in 2009 – the last time ACEP surveyed the emergency medicine landscape – to a “D” in 2014.
Minnesota fared far better, ranked 12th in the nation with an overall grade of “C.” It was cited by ACEP for having the highest per capita rate of physicians in the nation who accept Medicare.
"Our state's commitment to public health and injury prevention is reflected in its low fatal injury rates and fairly health population," said Thomas Wyatt, M.D., a Minneapolis physician who is president of the Minnesota Chapter of ACEP.
Missouri ranked sixth overall, with a grade of “C-,” but received “Fs” for the state's environment for medical liability and public health and injury prevention.
Nationwide, emergency services received an overall grade of “C-,” up from the “D+” given by ACEP for its last survey. The grade for access to emergency care remained unchanged at “D-.”
