Factors associated with failure to follow-up at a medical clinic after an ED visit.

Background: Although emergency department (ED) discharge is often based on the presumption of continued care, the reported compliance rate with follow-up appointments is low.

Study Objectives: The objectives of this study are to identify factors associated with missed follow-up appointments from the ED and to assess the ability of clinicians to predict which patients will follow-up.

Methods: Patients without insurance or an outpatient primary care provider (PCP) were given a follow-up clinic appointment before discharge.