Ochsner’s virtual ED helps 70% of patients avoid in-person visits

New Orleans-based Ochsner Health was able to cut emergency department visits with its virtual ED, according to an article published Aug. 22 on the American Medical Association website.

The virtual emergency department service was launched in October. It runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week and is overseen by a dedicated emergency physician and care navigator. On average, the virtual ED sees about 44 patients per day. Patients are triaged over the call and then the navigator helps them set up an outpatient appointment, if appropriate. If a patient requires emergency care, the physician will tee up all the orders before the patient reaches the ED. The initiative takes referrals from the 24-hour nurse triage line, primary care, specialty clinics and urgent care.

The program has improved throughput, patient experience and outcomes, and reduced wait times and avoided unnecessary transfers. So far, it has served 12,000 patients, the article said.

There has been a 7% decrease in ED use among older adults, the initial target population for the program. About 70% of patients overall are avoiding the ED.

Ochsner is working to take the virtual ED statewide, then expand it on a regional scale.

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