Analysis of self-initiated visits for cervical trauma at urgent care centers and subsequent emergency department referral.

BACKGROUND

Following trauma involving the cervical spine (c-spine), patients often seek care at urgent care centers (UCCs) or emergency departments (EDs).

PURPOSE

The purpose was to assess whether UCCs could effectively image acute self-selected c-spine trauma without referral to the ED as well as to estimate costs differences between UCC and ED imaging assessment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study identified patients receiving c-spine imaging at UCCs affiliated with a large academic hospital system from 5/1/-8/31/2021. Patients receiving c-spine X-rays with an indication of trauma following low acuity injury, at UCCs were compared to patients receiving any c-spine imaging in the main campus ED. Medical record numbers were cross-referenced to identify patients receiving imaging at both a UCC and ED within 24 h and within 7 days. Work relative value units (wRVUs) for each UCC and ED imaging type were calculated. For the hypothetical scenario of patients presenting to the ED in the absence of UCC, patients were assumed to receive c-spine computed tomography (CT) without contrast per "usually appropriate" designation by the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria®.

RESULTS

Among 143 self-selected, low acuity, patients who received c-spine X-rays at UCCs with an indication of trauma, one required referral to the ED within 24 h and two required referrals to the ED within 7 days. During the 4-month study period, 105.94 wRVUs ($3696.25) were saved by performing a c-spine X-ray in an UCC instead of a CT in the ED, extrapolated to 317.82 wRVUs ($11,088.74) per year. Using the average total costs of an UCC visit versus an ED visit, a total $145,976 was estimated to be saved during the study period or $437,928 per year.

CONCLUSION

Offering access for patient-initiated visits at UCCs for low-acuity c-spine trauma may help reduce the need for an ED visit, reducing imaging and healthcare visit costs.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Urgent Care Centers (UCCs) reduced the need for an Emergency Department (ED) referral visit in nearly 100% of self-selected, low acuity, patients with cervical trauma.