The Patriot Post® · Number of ER Visits on the Rise. Thanks, ObamaCare

For an increasing number of Americans, it’s easier to go to the emergency room than a doctor’s office. A wide majority of ER physicians, 75%, say they’ve seen the number of people walking through their doors increase, according to a poll by the American College of Emergency Physicians. This trend is, in part, due to the “Affordable” Care Act because it places a greater number of people on Medicaid. Many doctors don’t accept patients on Medicaid because of its low reimbursement rate. In other words, the government created a larger demand for doctors’ services while mandating how much doctors will get paid, contrary to the laws of economics. As a result, patients face long wait times for appointments, so they look for alternatives. Dr. John O'Shea, a senior fellow at The Heritage Foundation, said, “I’ve seen it personally. I’ve seen patients who come into the ER because their primary care physician couldn’t see them for weeks or months.” The Left sold ObamaCare on the promise that it would decrease the number of ER visits, but having state-mandated health insurance does not make people healthier, nor does it create timely access to a doctor. More…