Emergency department (ED) visits are among the most expensive touchpoints in the healthcare system. A significant share of these costs come from visits that often could have been prevented. According to data from United Healthcare, there are 18 million avoidable ED visits each year, adding $32 billion in costs to the healthcare system. Research from the Maine Rural Health Research Center found that 24% of ED visits among adults ages 18 to 64 were for non-urgent reasons.
For older adults in particular, avoidable ED visits are often driven by falls, medication issues, and unmanaged chronic conditions that are caught too late. This not only creates added financial burden for patients, families, and health systems but it also exposes seniors to additional risks such as hospital-acquired complications.
As the aging population continues to grow, reducing unnecessary ED visits is no longer just a clinical priority but an economic one. Preventative strategies such as chronic care management, medication oversight, fall prevention and early intervention, can help healthcare organizations and health plans improve outcomes for older adults while significantly lowering avoidable emergency costs.
Why Avoidable ED Visits Matter for Older Adults
Emergency care saves lives when it is truly needed. However, repeated or unnecessary ED use can signal gaps in ongoing support. For older adults, those gaps often show up as missed warning signs, unclear medication routines, or unsafe home environments.
By focusing on prevention, we can intervene earlier when care is easier, more effective, and less costly.
Falls and Injury-Related Visits
Falls are one of the most common reasons older adults visit the ED, leading to fractures and injuries. Many of these accidents can be prevented with home safety assessments, balance/strength training, medication review, and wearable fall detection devices.
Preventive strategies:
- Home safety checks (remove tripping hazards, install grab bars).
- Fall detection services to ensure help and intervention are available quickly.
- Vision checks and medication reviews that address dizziness or balance issues
- Physical therapy and exercise programs that build strength and stability
Adverse Drug Reactions & Medication Mismanagement
Many older adults manage multiple prescriptions, also known as polypharmacy. This increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions and dosing errors that can send someone to the ED.
Preventative strategies:
- Regular medication reconciliation to confirm what a patient is taking
- Medication management devices that support correct timing and dosage
- Deprescribing unnecessary medications when appropriate
- Education for patients and caregivers about side effects and warning signs
Chronic Conditions (Respiratory & Cardiovascular)
Chronic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions such as COPD, heart failure, and other cardiac or lung diseases are common drivers of emergency department visits among older adults. Although acute exacerbations can be serious, many symptoms and issues can be prevented through proactive care management, early symptom recognition, and continuous support between visits.
- Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) for ongoing tracking of vital signs and symptoms
- Chronic Care Management (CCM) for care coordination, education, and medication adherence
- Routine screenings and proactive care management
- Vaccinations (flu and pneumonia)
- Smoking cessation support
Accidents & Injuries
Beyond falls, other types of accidents at or around the home can lead to emergency care but may be avoidable with proper support as older adults age.
Preventive strategies
- Driving safety assessments
- Adaptive devices that support daily activities
- Home-based supports that reduce strain and risk
What Health Plans and Care Teams Can Do Now
Not every ED visit can or should be avoided. Emergency care is essential for acute, life-threatening situations. However, many visits among older adults are linked to risks that can be reduced through preventive care, better chronic disease management, and timely support.
Health plans and care teams that invest in early intervention and preventative care programs help individuals stay safer at home while reducing avoidable emergency utilization.