Trends in Costs of Care for Medicare Beneficiaries Treated in the Emergency Department From 2011 to 2016

Key Points Question How have total 30-day costs of care changed over time among Medicare beneficiaries seeking care in the emergency department (ED)? Findings In a cross-sectional study of 14 113 088 ED visits from 2011 to 2016, the mean cost of an ED visit increased among those who were discharged, but total 30-day costs of care for all ED visits decreased, largely because of a declining rate of admission to the hospital from the ED. Meaning The findings of this study suggest that greater spending on ED care may be associated with lower total costs to Medicare.