ER Diversion Data
Florida's free and charitable clinics reduce unnecessary ER visits and reduce healthcare costs statewide.
When patients don’t have access to affordable primary care, they often turn to the emergency room — even for non-emergency conditions. Florida’s free and charitable clinics are changing that.
Our statewide Emergency Room (ER) Diversion Study measures how clinics are reducing avoidable ER visits — and the cost savings that result for communities and taxpayers.
Why This Study Matters
Emergency rooms are essential for life-threatening conditions. But many ER visits involve chronic disease flare-ups, medication needs, or preventative and routine care — conditions which can be safely and effectively treated in a primary care setting at a fraction of the cost.
When uninsured patients lack access to a medical home, the ER becomes their default option.
What We Studied
FAFCC partnered with member clinics across Florida to collect real patient data. Patients were asked about their previous ER usage and how access to free and charitable clinics changed their dependence on those costly services.
By collecting this information directly from patients, we were able to measure avoidable ER utilization in a meaningful and conservative way.
Key Findings
cost-effective care for uninsured patients.
More than 31% of patients surveyed reported fewer ER visits since becoming a clinic patient.
26% reported fewer hospital stays.
Over 24% of surveyed patients reported they would have sought care in a hospital emergency department if the clinic had not been available.
This number alone represents a total of $7.5 million* in avoided ER charges.
*Average ER visit cost derived from Florida Health Finder data. Charges reflect facility fees only; not adjusted for case severity or actual payments. Average for self-pay ER patients = $6,232 per visit.
When extrapolated to FAFCC's statewide patient population of 220,294 (based on FY 2024-25 reporting data), these findings represent an estimated $339 million in avoided emergency room charges.
Over 52% of patients surveyed said they would have gone without care altogether if the clinic had not been available.
Patients receiving care through clinics are more likely to:
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Manage chronic conditions
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Access preventive services
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Avoid future emergency episodes
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Maintain ongoing relationships with providers
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Nearly one quarter of respondents reported fewer missed days of work or school since becoming clinic patients.
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Improved stability for individuals and families reduces downstream economic strain.
What This Means for Florida
Free and charitable clinics:
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Reduce strain on hospital emergency departments
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Improve access to care for uninsured residents
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Deliver care at a fraction of ER costs
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Strengthen community health systems
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Generate measurable return on investment
Through a resourceful combination of volunteer providers, community partnerships, in-kind donations, and State funding, these clinics provide hundreds of millions of dollars in healthcare services each year.
Clinics are not only providing care — they are preventing higher-cost care. When patients have access to primary care, everyone benefits.
Learn More
To learn more about FAFCC’s data initiatives, advocacy efforts, or how to support Florida’s free and charitable clinics, please contact us or explore our annual impact report.