Emergency Department Utilization by Veterans for Low-Acuity Conditions After Virtual Care Expansion

How did emergency department (ED) utilization for low-acuity conditions change following the expansion of virtual care within the Veterans Affairs Health System (VA)?In this cross-sectional study of 10 364 893 ED visits in the VA, low-acuity ED visits decreased rapidly in March 2020, followed by a partial rebound after the expansion of virtual care, but remained 12% below baseline by February 2023.These findings suggests a shift toward alternative care sites for nonurgent needs within the VA; however, further research is needed to assess the extent to which virtual care can substitute for low-acuity ED care and its impact on access and outcomes.

Corresponding Author: Anu Ramachandran, MD, MPH, 1140 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94107 (Anu12@stanford.edu).

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