Attorney
Washington, D.C. Brain Injury Lawyers Discuss the Reason ER Visits Involving TBI Treatment Are on the Rise
For all we have learned about the dangers and causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), we still have a long way to go. Nowhere is that more evident than in the growing numbers of Americans who are showing up to emergency rooms (ER) looking for TBI treatment.
According to a report in Managed Care, Americans have been going to ERs for TBIs more in the last few years than ever before. The information in the report is based on a TBI study the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) released last year. The JAMA study, which looked at US ER visits between 2006 and 2010, revealed that Americans visited ERs eight times more often for TBIs than other types of injuries in 2010 than they did in 2006.
What Is Causing the Surge in TBI-Related ER Visits in the US?
The Managed Care report indicates that the reason behind the increase in TBI-related ER visits is unclear, as it could be due to a number of factors, including:
- Underreporting of TBIs prior to 2006
- Increased media attention regarding TBIs
- Past and present issues involving the definition and diagnosis of TBIs
- Greater public awareness of TBIs
- An increase in TBI-causing accidents (specifically, falls among members of the baby boomer generation)
What Is Being Done to Improve Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of TBIs?
Many brain injury experts have lauded the JAMA study, believing it was long overdue and points out the need for more research into methods and guidelines designed to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of TBIs. TBI research subjects could include:
- The effect of continuity of care
- Outcomes of various treatment, detection and prevention methods
- How TBIs differ depending upon factors like a sufferer’s age, size or gender
- Treating, diagnosing and preventing different types of TBIs
- Establishing a formal grading system for TBIs, including type and severity
Unfortunately, TBI research has been slow in coming, because of a lack of funding, something researchers believe will ultimately require the help of insurers for true progress to be made. To learn more about TBIs and the work we have done to help people who suffered injuries due to another’s negligence, continue to explore our website. Follow our blog and checkout our verdicts and settlements page, which includes a $1.75 million settlement we helped a woman recover following an intersection crash that left her disabled.
Source: http://www.managedcaremag.com/archives/2015/3/boom-times-brain-injuries