In the news: Bill before Congress could ease pressure on ED physicians

Being an ED physician is a thankless—and often payless—job. As Americans’ access to primary healthcare decreases, EDs nationwide have become overcrowded, many times with uninsured patients seeking non-emergent care. But there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. According to The Birmingham News, the Emergency Services Act of 2009 is currently before Congress, and if passed, would:

• Create a bipartisan commission to study access to emergency medical services
• Increase Medicare payments for emergency/trauma physicians to help offset the cost of providing care to uninsured patients
• Create standards for emergency department boarding and diversion

Although the bill may not be perfect at first, it’s a step in the right direction.