Health Status and Healthcare Utilization Patterns of Emergency Department Patients Who Prefer a Language Other Than English.

Abstract

Immigrants, nearly half of whom prefer a language other than English (LOE), face structural barriers to healthcare. This subgroup is believed to be at increased risk for reduced access to quality healthcare, yet few studies have examined the health needs and utilization patterns of LOE-preferring patients who seek care in the Emergency Department (ED). Given that the ED is often an entry point to the health system, we sought to characterize the health patterns of this population in an urban ED setting. We conducted a retrospective chart review of the electronic medical records of 1,566 patients who utilized interpreter services in the ED or Urgent Care) at an urban safety net hospital. We found that LOE-preferring patients had high levels of chronic disease. We also found that the majority of these patients had not seen a primary care provider (PCP) within the study period. PCP visits were positively associated with ED utilization suggesting that those without a PCP are less likely to receive ED care. These findings point to a need for greater policy and community health solutions addressing the high burden of chronic disease and underutilization of healthcare for those with LOE preferences.