When you break down the numbers, the “average” American only visits the ER about once every 2–3 years. But averages can be misleading. Some people rarely, if ever, use emergency services, while others rely on them more often due to health or life circumstances.

This highlights one of the biggest challenges in healthcare: ensuring that people have access to the right care at the right time. For some, primary care or urgent care options are available. For others, the ER becomes their default choice.