Reduce Avoidable ED Use and Save Costs

The Problem 

Avoidable emergency department (ED) visits are a significant financial burden for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Studies show that just 3% of an ACO’s population—high ED utilizers—are responsible for 30% of ED visits and associated costs.

The Solution

BlueStar’s DAISY ED Program combines cutting-edge technology and clinical coaching to guide high ED utilizers toward more appropriate, lower-cost care alternatives.

How BlueStar Does It

Remote Patient Care Expertise

BlueStar identifies, enrolls, and trains high ED utilizers to engage with alternative care options.

Home-Based Technology

A state-of-the-art hardware/software solution is placed in the patient’s home, providing real-time guidance on care decisions before they consider an ED visit.

Care Coordination & Coaching

Members receive personalized coaching to manage chronic conditions and understand the right care setting for their needs.

Approximate Investment

• $70–$90 per enrolled member per month, depending on scope.

Expected Results

• At least a 20% reduction in ED use among the enrolled high-utilizer group.

ROI Projection for a Typical ACO

• ACO with 20,000 members typically has 600 frequent ED users.
• If 500 members enroll, the monthly management cost is $35,000 ($420,000 annually).
• Expected 4:1 ROI, generating $1.7M in avoided ED costs annually.

Risk-Sharing Model

BlueStar is confident in delivering results and is willing to take on financial risk to ensure success.

ACO’s Role

Your only responsibility is to identify potential enrollees using last year’s claims data—BlueStar takes care of the rest.

Pilot Program Opportunity

We propose a proof-of-concept pilot involving 300 frequent ED users, reducing their ED utilization through our innovative approach.

• Pilot Investment: $67,000
• Expected 50% reduction in ED visits
• Projected savings: Approximately $520,000 in just six months
• Break-even Point: The program pays for itself if ED visit reductions reach just 6%.

Supporting Data & Rationale

Numerous risk bearing entities across the country are solving the avoidable ED use issue. Example: A South Carolina study revealed that 3% of healthcare enrollees accounted for 34% of total ER costs, averaging 5 visits per year. Their intervention program, which included a medical alert, nurse-concierge button, and check-in calls, resulted in 60% of calls preventing an unnecessary ER visit. Similar data suggests ER diversion rates of 60–80%.

Next Steps

We invite you to schedule a 30-minute Zoom meeting with:

• Admiral Rob Wray (CEO)
• Dr. Dennis Mihale (CMO)

Following the meeting, we will provide a customized proposal tailored to your ACO’s needs.

Contact us today to start saving on avoidable ED costs! Call us at (800) 441-0730 Ext 101 or click the button below to access our calendar and schedule a meeting: