By the Numbers

The nation's emergency departments logged 110.2 million visits in 2002, an increase of 2.7 million compared with 2001, according to a new report by the Ceters for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, patients generally spent more time waiting for and receiving treatment. The biggest jump in volume in 2002 was among patients classified as needing care immediately or urgently - 56% compared with 50% in 2001. Patients classified as nonurgent rose to 10% in 2002 from 9% the previous year.