Emergency Rooms Have To Take You

If you walk into an emergency room, do they have to treat you? Emergency rooms are now required to provide an initial screening to assess a patient’s condition, which is designed to stop the automatic transfer of people unable to pay. Emergency rooms must also treat emergency situations until they are stabilized, then they can refer you to other hospitals or clinics for further treatment. If your health plan offers coverage for emergency services, your insurance must cover legitimate emergency department visits. You will not be required to obtain prior authorization for emergency services. Health plans are required to cover and pay for emergency care based upon the patient’s presenting symptoms, rather than the final diagnosis. If you feel you have been denied service, contact Health Care Financing Administration, 7500 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21244; 410-786-3000;{www.hcfa.gov}.

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