According to a new report:

• Over 70% of emergency department visits from privately-insured patients are for conditions that are nonemergency or are preventable through outpatient care
• 24% did not require immediate attention,
• 41% received care that could have been provided safely in a primary care setting
• 6% received care that would have been preventable or avoidable with proper primary care.
• Diverting just 10% of these unnecessary visits to an office setting would result in a net savings of $18.68 in total allowed costs per health plan member, per year

Source: "Truven Health Analytics Study Finds Most Emergency Room Visits Made by Privately-Insured Patients Are Avoidable," Truven Health Analytics Press Release, April 25, 2013, http://www.truvenhealth.com/news_and_events/press_releases/april252013.aspx