Military Emergency Rooms Reported Overcrowded

A report by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) asserts that the Defense Department’s estimated 70 emergency rooms are experiencing overcrowding, partly due to the high deployment rates of military medical care providers. The report also cites the mobilization and deployment of thousands of reservists as a factor. High deployment rates create high turnovers of doctors, tending to cause deterioration of quality care and patient safety, according to the report. DoD disputes the report. Army Brig. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy Tricare director, says the report is not true because Tricare can quickly shift resources as needed.