Comments on: East Valley AZ news on ED overcrowding

By: RICK

RICK — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 18:25:33 +0000

ONE SOLUTION… ALLOW THE ED REGISTRATION PEOPLE TO COLLECT UP FRONT FOR NON EMERGENCY VISITS. THIS WOULD BE AFTER A TRIAGE ASSESSMENT/SCREENING BY RN/MD

By: GruntDoc

GruntDoc — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:53:16 +0000

Derrick,
I didn’t read anything in there that looked like a HIPAA violation. The opening vignettes could have been written from the nurses’ station, and there isn’t enough info there to personally identify any one patient.

When patients were identified, I’d bet the reporter identified themselves and asked if they’d mind being interviewed. No reporter wants to get sued, so they’re careful about putting names with quotes.

How do you feel about the “Life in the ER” cameras? I think they’re a LOT more intrusive; they do go back and retrospectively get releases from people they air (I understand).

By: Derrick

Derrick — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:01:41 +0000

Does anybody know how the hospital was able to get around HIPAA and allow this reporter in to observe so much? While I agree that it was a great article, if I were a patient, I would absolutely be furious if the doctor walked into my room with a reporter right behind him.

By: GruntDoc

GruntDoc — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 04:11:56 +0000

Flea, I especially appreciate anyone trying to keep their patients out of the ED, so thanks to you from your ED colleagues.

By: docwrite

docwrite — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 23:09:53 +0000

The “Go to the ED” strategy by a large chunk of population is not only contributing to waste, but also perhaps delaying care for those requiring emergent care. Unfortunately, no one has any bright idea to solve this multifaceted problem.

By: A Bohemian Road Nurse...

A Bohemian Road Nurse... — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 20:07:57 +0000

And it doesn’t seem to be getting any better—it looks like it’s simply getting worse.

By: Flea

Flea — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 18:40:42 +0000

True, there is no one solution. For me, I’m busting my ass trying to keep patients out of the ED. If only a small number of my colleagues in my community did likewise it just might catch on. But the lazy bastards wont do it.

best,

Flea