Understanding Emergency Department Wait Times: A Look at CMS Data

The Rising Trend of ED Wait Times

Recent data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has shown a disturbing trend in the healthcare industry: the average time a patient spends in an emergency department (ED) has risen. Nationwide, the average ED visit time has increased to 162 minutes, up from 159 minutes in the 12-month period ending March 2022. This increase may seem slight, but it could potentially represent thousands of hours of additional waiting time for patients across the country.

Longest ED Wait Times: The Top Ten

The CMS data has also highlighted the hospitals and health systems with the longest ED wait times. These figures provide a snapshot of where the biggest bottlenecks in patient care may be. However, it's important to note that CMS does not include the total ED volumes or case mix index in their dataset. Also, the data is based on a shorter time period than required, according to CMS regulations.

Using CMS Data to Improve Care

The CMS provides this data to help both patients and hospitals make informed decisions about healthcare. For patients, this information can guide their choice of hospital for emergency care. For hospitals, it can highlight areas where improvement is needed. The CMS continually updates this data and has recently added listings from the Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program (HACRP) and data on Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals to their reports.

Case Study: Mission Hospital

One hospital that has come under scrutiny due to its long ED wait times is Mission Hospital in North Carolina. A CMS report detailed significant delays and lapses in care in the ED, leading to the death of several patients. The hospital has since started implementing changes based on the findings and is working to better serve the needs of the Western North Carolina community.

Accountable Care Organizations: A Potential Solution?

As the healthcare industry grapples with the issue of long ED wait times, one potential solution being explored is the use of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). ACOs are groups of health care providers who voluntarily come together to give coordinated high-quality care to the Medicare patients they serve. CMS provides guidance and specifications for ACOs participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, detailing participation options, eligibility criteria, and financial reconciliation. With new flexibilities granted for physicians and practitioners in certain ACOs in the delivery of services through telehealth, ACOs could potentially help alleviate the long wait times in EDs.

Moving Forward

While the rise in ED wait times is a concern, the availability of this data is a positive step in addressing the issue. By identifying the hospitals with the longest wait times, CMS is providing valuable information that can guide improvement initiatives. With the continued commitment of health care professionals and the support of programs like the ACOs, there is hope that the trend of increasing ED wait times can be reversed, leading to better, more timely care for all patients.