Emergency departments handle over 130 million visits annually, but many cases could be safely treated in primary care, urgent care, or retail settings. Only 38 million visits involve injuries, and just 3.1 million require critical care. Many patients seek emergency care due to convenience rather than necessity, leading to overcrowding and long wait times. Connected healthcare solutions, such as telemedicine, community paramedicine, and mobile diagnostics, can help triage patients more effectively, reducing unnecessary ER visits. With an estimated $8.3 billion in preventable ER costs annually, improving access to alternative care settings can enhance efficiency and patient outcomes.

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