Study: Heatwaves lead to more dual visits to emergency rooms

nationwide to work A study of more than 5.4 million older adults finds that heat waves significantly increase emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalizations among seniors who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Posted in JAMA Health ForumThe study analyzed data from 2016 to 2019 in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Heat waves were defined as three or more consecutive days with temperatures above 90°F and daily maximum temperatures in the 97th percentile. During these periods, emergency room visits increased 10% and hospitalizations increased 7% among dually eligible individuals age 65 and older.

The study also found a 4 percent increase in death rates. heat waves compared to non-heatwave days. However, nursing home residents did not show a significant increase in heat-related emergency visits; This is likely due to federal regulations requiring facilities to maintain temperatures between 71°F and 81°F, the study authors noted.

Geographic location played an important role in the effect of temperature. Only three regions (Northwest, Ohio Valley and West) showed statistically significant increases in emergency room visits. Sensitivity has been found to be particularly increased in areas such as the coast of California, where residents are accustomed to milder temperatures and often lack air conditioning.

“In the absence of adaptation strategies to address the health effects of heat, fit individuals in both situations are increasingly likely to experience adverse outcomes,” the researchers concluded.

The findings are particularly important for the approximately 8 million Americans who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (also known as dual eligibility); This group has significant vulnerabilities: 90% have annual incomes below $20,000, half report fair or poor health, and 40% live alone. The study underscores the need for targeted adaptation efforts to protect this high-risk population during extreme heat events.