Knowing costs can be an EMTALA violation

ER Stories: “It is my feeling that by telling the guy how much he will be charged before being treated (even if the surgeon did not realistically expect to get much money in the case) WAS perceived by the man as a barrier. Thus, it is probably technically a violation.”

Comments

ERMurse
Regardless of what we think is the right thing to do, an EMTALA violation has occurred if the Medical Screening Exam was delayed for the collection of financial information or The patient was coerced to leave prior to the completion of the MSE. Coerction to leave can occur with any discussion of costs or request for co-pays so these discussions should not occur until discharge. The MSE is not complete until a Emergency Medical Condition is “Stabalized” which can include the entire visit up to and including surgery if necessary. If you want to read about every day EMTALA violations go to the HHS webside – They name names and circumstances of setteled EMTALA violatins. Available at the link here http://www.oig.hhs.gov/fraud/enforcement/administrative/cmp/cmpitemspd.html
Anonymous
There is nothing in the federal law or regulations which make it a violation to answer the question which the patient posed to the consultant about the cost. He obviously intends to pay his bills, and wants to know, and has every right to know, what it will cost him.
I would think that a refusal to answer the question might diminish his obligation to pay, a legal obligation which all patients who get services have EMTALA notwithstanding. I in fact think it unethical for a physician to engage a patient in treatment while actively obtructing the patient’s efforts to ascertain his financial exposure.
The provider community needs to stand together on this and not, through thoughtless blogging or overgenralized applications of terms like “may” generate social expectations and misconceptions that burden our rights more than the law does already.
Anonymous
That’s easily solved. Just say what I say. “Sorry, I have no idea.”
Anonymous
Pt’s have a right to know what something will cost if they ask…otherwise they could be exploited by the unscrupulous. The ‘spirit’ of the law is to prevent those who would turf care merely because of concerns of not getting paid. Those who get bogged down finding loopholes in the ‘letter’ of the law can’t see the proverbial forest for the trees. Shame!
Anonymous
Just another reason not to take call.
Anonymous
Given how some docs and hospitals gouge the living daylights out of people, I think any conscious patients ought to ask and has every right to know. If the provider refuses to answer, the patient is morally if not legally free to adjust the bill as he sees fit.
Last week I saw a local ped’s charges for routine newborn exams for 780 bucks! That is unconsciousable and invites government fee fixing for all.
Anonymous
EMTALA does NOT mean the patient is not going to get a bill.
Consumer protection laws are in direct conflict with EMTALA totalitarianism.

Knowing costs can be an EMTALA violation

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