COVID-19 and emergency department volume: The patients return but have different characteristics

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered behaviors in the general population, as well as processes in the healthcare industry. Patients may be afraid to pursue care in the emergency department (ED) due to perceived risk of infection. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on ED metrics.

At one metropolitan trauma center ED, we conducted a review of all visits from February to May in 2020 and compared findings with the same months from 2019.

A total of 34,213 ED visits occurred during the study periods (18,471 in 2019 and 15,742 in 2020), with a decline in patient visits occurring after state emergency declarations. In 2020, patients were less likely to be female and more likely to arrive by ambulance. Diagnoses in the musculoskeletal, neurologic, and genitourinary categories occurred in lower proportions in 2020; toxicology, psychiatry, and infectious diseases occurred in higher proportions. In contrast to other insurance categories, Medicare patients comprised a larger share of ED visits in 2020 compared to 2019.

Despite relatively low local prevalence of COVID-19, we report decreases in ED volume for some medical diagnosis categories. A volume rebound occurred in May 2020, but did not reach 2019 levels. Public health officials should encourage local populations to seek emergency care when concerned, and could consider programs to provide transportation. Patients should continue to protect themselves with social distancing and masks.