Which actions contribute to reducing avoidable emergency department visits in care coordination?

• A. Isolating patients from primary care teams.
• B. Proactive follow-up, symptom management, home safety checks, and clear care plans.
• C. Delaying follow-up after discharge.
• D. Focusing only on medication reconciliation.

Answer: (B)

Ongoing, coordinated care after discharge is central to reducing avoidable emergency department visits. Proactive follow-up keeps the clinical team connected with the patient, allowing early detection of worsening symptoms, timely treatment adjustments, and support to navigate post-discharge needs. Symptom management directly targets issues before they escalate into emergencies, while home safety checks address environmental factors that can trigger injuries or exacerbate conditions, especially for vulnerable patients. A clear care plan provides specific, actionable steps for patients and caregivers, outlining what to do, when to seek help, and how to manage medications, which reduces confusion and increases adherence. Together, these elements create a strong post-discharge safety net that helps patients stay safe at home rather than returning to the ED. Isolating patients from primary care teams undermines continuity of care, delaying intervention; delaying follow-up misses critical opportunities to intervene early; and focusing only on medication reconciliation neglects symptom control, safety, and planning essential to preventing ED visits.