Patient profile of an otolaryngologic emergency department.

An epidemiologic analysis is presented of the utilization patterns of an emergency department (ED) that treats otolaryngologic diseases. Descriptive data are collated and cross-tabulated from 2,504 patient contacts occurring during an eight-month period. Most patients use the facility as their primary physician contact during usual business hours. Most patients complain of an ear problem, and two thirds of the patients have one of 12 common disorders. The cost-effectiveness of an independent specialty ED is evaluated.