Patient Advocacy Program Significantly Lowers Repeat Emergency Room Visits

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine highlights the effectiveness of a patient advocacy program in reducing repeat visits to emergency departments (ED) for minor or non-urgent health issues. The program, part of the Medical Home and Specialty Care Connection (MHSCC), pairs patients with trained community health advocates who assist them in navigating the healthcare system, scheduling follow-up care, and accessing necessary resources.

Published in the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine, the study found that patients receiving this support experienced a 45% reduction in minor and non-urgent ED visits. The advocacy team helps patients by arranging primary and specialty care appointments and providing education on healthcare navigation. Over a span of more than six years, data showed that the program prevented approximately 1,050 ED visits annually, translating into substantial healthcare savings of around $2.9 million over nine years.

Uninsured patients benefited most from the program, showing the highest decrease in ED visits, followed by Medicaid recipients and privately insured individuals. Medicare patients, often with more complex health conditions, saw the least change. Cost analysis revealed that the program’s expenses were offset by the savings generated from prevented visits, demonstrating its financial sustainability.

The initiative also addresses common reasons why individuals seek emergency care unnecessarily, such as lack of health insurance, difficulty accessing primary care, or misconceptions about ED speed and convenience. For example, nearly 15% of Americans between 18 and 64 years old visited EDs for non-urgent issues in 2024.

Furthermore, the program extends beyond immediate ED needs by connecting patients to long-term support services for issues like homelessness, food insecurity, or chronic disease management. Its success led to expansion in July 2025 to UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial, serving Chicago's south suburban community.

Overall, the study emphasizes that structured patient advocacy programs can be a feasible and cost-effective solution to reduce unnecessary ED utilization, improve patient care, and promote better health system navigation. Researchers plan to further analyze factors influencing ED visit reductions and anticipate continued positive outcomes as the program grows.