[pickledpepperRN]

E really is for emergency, more hospitals say

Two First Coast hospitals now charge extra for non-emergency ER visits.


http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-onlin..._6482335.shtml

[UKRNinUSA]

what an excellent idea!

[Shamira Aizza]

Fantastic!

It would be even better if these hospital ED's would exercise their rights (according to EMTALA) to refuse red-carpet service to patients who are not experiencing an emergency as defined by EMTALA and hospital policy...maybe at least when they are operating at elevated capacity.

These folks could be turfed to more appropriate venues such as pharmacy-based clinics or (GASP!), their FAMILY physician.

But maybe that's just me.

[morte]

you cant get blood from a stone......

[Hellllllo Nurse]

Originally Posted by morte

you cant get blood from a stone......

And what about Medicare pts? Will we have to pay the extra $100. if they chose to be seen?

[babynurselsa]

Some of the little ERs that I work at have a similar protocal. You are triaged, the physician performs a MSE. If he determines that you are non-emergent then the clerk comes in and explains that if you would like to be seen then you must pay anywhere from a 75-100 dollar co-pay REGARDLESS of your insurance or lack. Otherwise you are referred to f/u with a pcp/clinic in the am. In these places there is not the abuses of the system. It is awesome.

[UKRNinUSA]

I wonder what this does to the Press Gainey scores?

[oramar]

I think most hospitals are much to timid to risk the wrath of the community by doing this.

[bethin]

Good idea!

It wouldn't work in my rural area where the urgent care clinic has the same hours as the MD's office and isn't open on weekends. Also, what insurance company will pay for an emergency room visit and an urgent care visit in the same day? I know mine wouldn't.

If it was me that went to the ER, waited, got back to see dr only to be told it wasn't an emergency but that for an extra $100 the MD could treat me, I would just pay the money. You have to wait just as long in an urgent care center.

But I think this is a great idea for larger communities where urgent care clinics are more accessible.

I think more people need to realize that they need primary physicians and that a cough or cold won't kill you. Also, more doctors need to realize that many people are working extra hours and may only be free on the weekends or evenings. I remember as a kid going to the dr on Sat. Not anymore.

[General E. Speaking, RN]

Originally Posted by UKRNinUSA

I wonder what this does to the Press Gainey scores?

LOL-I think this would be a MAJOR concern in my hospital