Perhaps instead of more ER capacity, we should explore expanding primary care availability. As a former responder in the community I feel I can safely say that a great number of pt's inundating local ER's don't need emergency care, they need a primary care physician. Colds, flu, minor ailments, mental health issues all would be better managed in the primary care setting and free up the emergency room for true emergencies, such as your son's. Unfortunately, the lack of affordable primary care forces people to rely on the ER for non-emergency issues, and until this is addressed, nothing will substantially change.
Please explain the inappropriate content below.
