Predictors of medication refill–seeking behavior in the ED

Objective Determine predictors of medication refill–seeking behavior in ED patients with chronic illness. Methods/Design Prospective cross-sectional ED survey conducted for 6 weeks. Setting Public hospital ED (>140 000 visits per year). Subjects ED patients (>18 years) taking chronic medications for congestive heart failure, diabetes, and/or hypertension. Results Of 1168 patients surveyed, 344 (29%) presented to the ED secondary to running out of medications and requiring a medication refill. Univariate predictors included age younger than 50 years, non-Hispanic ethnicity, low income (