Our county recently had a large drug-bust. Some 37 people were arrested, for a variety of charges, from distribution to manufacturing and all the rest.
Since it was in the paper, and public knowledge, I felt it important to find out how many of them were regular ‘customers’ of the emergency department.
Of the 37 arrested, there were some 167 ED visits over the past few years since we have had EMR.
Now, what do we do with that number? What does the customer service model say? What do we feel about the need for insurance, or other social supports, provided by government?
Complicated question, I suppose. But looking through the chief complaints, it seems that an inordinate number were for painful conditions.
As prescription drug abuse skyrockets, as deaths from those drugs rise dramatically, and as the economy staggers under entitlements like disability, Medicare and Medicaid, it might be reasonable, even compassionate towards all, to ask what to do with these ‘customers.’
I’m sure they were sometimes genuinely ill. But on the whole, my suspicion is that they caused more harm, more cost, more difficulty and more disruption than the overwhelming majority of other patients. For instance, those not arrested on drug charges.
It doesn’t take many people to cause enormous trouble and enormous waste.
37, a small percentage of our 37,000 visits each year, seems a reasonable number to cause difficulty.
37 more customers who maybe, just maybe, should lose their status as customers after all.
It’s not hard-hearted, and it’s not hateful. It’s wise, it’s discerning and it’s going to be necessary if medicine is to continue without simply falling to pieces.
So totally agree and we should also do as Florida has done as of June 1, drug test those on ” welfare ” I’m on disability, I need it, I’ll take a drug test. I need the assistance as do many more legitimate people. I cannot even fix my grandchild a glass of water. I’ve worked since I was 16. I want so badly to work, to be a nurse again, but these folks may drain the system so that I will get nothing. Fight for drug testing in this state Ed, please. You have a forum. Thanks for all… Read more »
RKM
11 years ago
Hi Ed, I also remember how many of those people took an ambulance and two paramedics out of service as well, putting other people in harms way and delaying care. No consequence for them, but god forbid on the 168 visit the ED misses something. Then it is gravy train time for them and the lawyer on the cover of the phone book.
Naomi
11 years ago
After working in the ER for 12 years, I am no longer surprised when I recognize a name in our local newspaper–and I work in 1 of several hospitals in our surburban area! Common recongized names are from stories aobut the guy who finally got arrested after causing his 9th accident and being found drunk…or the drug busts…or the bank robbers…
It is sad, but true…
Drug testing is something I personally would stand behind…even lobby for. Seriously, a crime is a crime, and there are too many people out there milking the system for all they are worth.
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So totally agree and we should also do as Florida has done as of June 1, drug test those on ” welfare ” I’m on disability, I need it, I’ll take a drug test. I need the assistance as do many more legitimate people. I cannot even fix my grandchild a glass of water. I’ve worked since I was 16. I want so badly to work, to be a nurse again, but these folks may drain the system so that I will get nothing. Fight for drug testing in this state Ed, please. You have a forum. Thanks for all… Read more »
Hi Ed, I also remember how many of those people took an ambulance and two paramedics out of service as well, putting other people in harms way and delaying care. No consequence for them, but god forbid on the 168 visit the ED misses something. Then it is gravy train time for them and the lawyer on the cover of the phone book.
After working in the ER for 12 years, I am no longer surprised when I recognize a name in our local newspaper–and I work in 1 of several hospitals in our surburban area! Common recongized names are from stories aobut the guy who finally got arrested after causing his 9th accident and being found drunk…or the drug busts…or the bank robbers…
It is sad, but true…
Drug testing is something I personally would stand behind…even lobby for. Seriously, a crime is a crime, and there are too many people out there milking the system for all they are worth.