Quote:
Originally Posted by gjbl8114
As a former healthcare professional, this is sad to hear. I suspect that many don't understand the criteria for what is considered a "medical emergency." ER personnel are sufficiently trained to identify such, however, in many instances, their assessments are generally in conflict with those who are waiting to received services. You can be assured that a "true" medical emergency will be treated promptly and without delay. On the other hand, you can pretty much bet that not being treated promptly when you arrive at the ER is a clear indication that your "emergency" declaration is clearly not the case.
I would agree with Gracie Girl - perhaps you should have called 911. Just be prepared to pay the difference.... The same is true when you go to the ER. Most insurances will not pay for non-emergency situations which is determined based on the final diagnosis. You have to be willing to pick up the tab based on the final outcome.
Try to understand this. ER personnel see lots of patients who believe they have a "true" medical emergency. What may appear to be a medical emergency to a lay person could easily be considered "routine" medical care to ER personnel. My suggestion to anyone considering use of the ER instead of an Urgent Care Clinic or doctor's office visit is this. If you are required to sit in excess of an hour in an emergency room awaiting treatment, consider leaving and seeking urgent care. Chances are you're going to be stuck with an ER expense that you will regret.
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My wife is an ER-NP. Agree 100%!! I'd also like to add that nothing annoys the ER staff much more than somebody taking the "Big Red Bus" to the hospital in an effort to get to the front of the line when they are not experiencing a true life-threatening emergency. In many cases if you do this, besides incurring the charges mentioned above, the charge nurse will simply just triage you at the level you actually rate, and offer you a seat in the waiting room and release the ambulance crew.