The reporter's task, in a news story such as this, is an ungrateful one: energizing a coherent summary of a complex technical report full of data---which, in this case, while supremely important, is difficult to "bring to life" without specific examples. Nonetheless, for readers concerned about the healthiness of the hospital system in America, a huge amount of pertinent information is conveyed that the general public would have trouble accessing otherwise. The disposition of the facts is well-handled, and it concludes with a look at the situation in D.C., befitting the host newspaper. To investigate the full causes and consequences of the topic would take a series. Good and solid for what it is; but as my fellow reviewer ... More »

This article is primarily a report on three reports released on June 14, 2006 by the Institue of Medicine. Quoting the reports and the presenters, as well as a few unnamed reports, it effectively conveys the significant concerns about the state of hospital emergency rooms. What it does not mention is the use of emergency rooms by the uninsured for care that the insured would obtain in a physician's office.

This story reported the findings of the Institute of Medicine. However, I question the premise that the vast majority of ER patients are in medical crisis. Today, the ER is used, not only by the indigent, but also the insured, for care better given in MD offices and free standing clinics. The doctors interviewed all know this, and probably mentioned this to the reporter. Was there selective editing? The issue is not just ER quality and capacity, but public expectations. Education, and better access to subacute care, would also help.