Access to primary care physicians and utilization of emergency departments among Medi-Cal patient

This study analyzed health care utilization trends of Medi-Cal members. Based on a comprehensive review of prior research, this study predicted that Medi-Cal members would utilize health care services differently than individuals with other insurance types due to differences in access to primary care. The results of this study showed that Medi-Cal members utilize primary care as well as emergency care more than non Medi-Cal patients. The findings also indicate Medi-Cal members with primary care physicians visit the emergency department more frequently than those without a regular primary care physician. The results of this study provide insights into the details of how Medi-Cal members utilize the health care services available to them. As Medicaid expansion begins to bring millions of newly eligible individuals into the Medicaid program, this information is invaluable for the decision making of legislators as well as health care leaders around the country.