CERTIFIED MAIL FAILS TO REACH AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT POPULATION

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if correspondence sent by regular mail would be delivered more often than correspondence sent by certified mail. Correspondence was prospectively randomized and mailed by United States Postal Service using either regular mail service or certified mail service. Mailings were analyzed based on patient demographic information, whether or not mail was returned, and the reason for the return. Certified mail was sent to 145 patients; 58 (40%) of the mailings were returned. Wrong addresses accounted for only 23 (16%) of these, whereas the addressee never claimed 35 (24%). Regular mail was sent to 126 patients, and 19 (15%) of the letters were returned. Wrong addresses accounted for 18 (14%) of these letters, and only 1 (1%) was refused for delivery. In conclusion, when compared with certified mail, regular mail is a more effective means of reaching patients with follow-up information after an Emergency Department visit.