ED navigators help patients find a PCP

Abstract

Carondelet Health Network in Tucson, AZ, places community health outreach workers in the emergency department to help patients who use the ED for non-emergent conditions find a primary care provider. Navigators coordinate primary care appointments and get patients set up in a medical home. If patients have a primary care provider but can't get an appointment, the navigators try to get them in or direct them to a walk-in clinic. Navigators assess patients for psychosocial needs and can help them access community resources and sign up for benefits.