Emergency department visits hit a new high in 2005, with more than 115 million visits, says new research from the CDC. That's a jump of five million visits over the previous year, and a substantial 20 percent increase over 10 years.

Over the same time period, the number of hospital EDs decreased more than 9 percent from 4,176 to 3,795, the CDC says. More than half of these patients (62.8 percent) were referred to a physician or clinic for follow-up after their visit, suggesting their needs weren't critical.

The study provides more fuel for the campaign underway by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), asking Congress to approve a law creating a commission to study the ED overcrowding problem. Under the terms of the ACEP-backed bill, hospitals would have to report to HHS on how many patients are boarded in the ED [1], and how long they're boarded.

To find out more about the study:
- read this United Press International article [2]
- read the CDC report [3] (.pdf)

PLUS: Detroit-area hospitals are working to slash ED wait times. Article [4]

Related Articles:
Hospitals develop strategies to cope with ED overloads. Editorial [5]
Overcrowding worsens at nation's EDs. Report [6]
Congress takes on ER overcrowding. Report [7]
Less ambulance diversion means more profit. Report [8]