We discuss with Dr Margaret Samuels-Kalow her recent AEM paper, 'Comparing Statewide and Single Center Data to Predict High Frequency ED Utilization Among Patients With Asthma Exacerbation.

Previous studies examining high-frequency emergency department (ED) utilization have primarily used single-center data, potentially leading to ascertainment bias if patients visit multiple centers. The goals of this study were 1) to create a predictive model to prospectively identify patients at risk of high-frequency ED utilization for asthma and 2) to examine how that model differed using statewide versus single-center data.

Since legalization in Colorado, providers have noted increased healthcare utilization associated with acute and chronic marijuana use. It is currently unknown if cannabis use is associated with increased ED visits in patients with mental illness. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence ratios of mental health diagnoses among ED visits with cannabis-associated diagnosis compared to those without cannabis-associated diagnoses in Colorado. Dr Adam Haag interviews corresponding author Dr Andrew Monte.