some staff members care so much about Faith Community Hospital's survival that they refuse to serve patients unless they confirm insurance coverage first. Is this illegal? Where can I find a reference of this law if it is illegal? Thank you for your help!
2006-10-09 06:01:10 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Only in emergency situations
In an emergency, the hospital must treat first, and then get insurance information second
2006-10-09 06:56:19 · answer #1 · answered by BigD 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not many healthcare facilities today want to care for the indigent patient. One of the reasons that the cost of healthcare is so high is that some people tend to use the ER for a minor medical clinic, and not actually what it is intended for. In the case of the person that is on death's door step, most healthcare personnel tend to give CPR first, and ask about insurance later. If you walk in with the flu, and don't have insurance, you can be turned away. Especially if the hospital is a privately funded hospital. Most "for profit" healthcare outfits are not required to accept patients unless it is a "life or death" emergency. Public hospitals, such as teaching or research hospitals or any hospital that recieves public funds has money that is earmarked to absorb costs for caring for the uninsured. Sometimes a private facility will stabilize a patient and move them to a public one if they have no insurance or funds. Unfortunately this is the way that it works. Money can buy you better care. It isn't supposed to, but it does.
2006-10-09 06:15:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
From my understanding of the law, yes. It is illegal. They must stabilize an emergent patient. At that point, they have the option to continue care pro bono or transfer the patient to a public hospital. If it is non-emergent care, then I am not sure.
2006-10-09 06:09:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is only illegal in the case of life-threatening injuries.
People tend to forget that medical care for other than life-saving means, is an expensive LUXURY item.
2006-10-09 06:04:05 · answer #4 · answered by Ricky T 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is illegal, and any doctors who particpate could be arrested and or lose their medical licnese.
2006-10-09 06:02:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋