Physician Sues To Reclassify Miscarriage, Heart Attack Symptoms As Emergencies

A Washington state plan to curb Medicaid costs by reclassifying what constitutes a medical emergency and capping “non-emergent” E.R. visits at three before the insured is forced to pay out of pocket has hit a snag, as the Washington Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians is suing the state over implementation.

“This list of non-emergent diagnoses puts patients in danger and unfairly targets the poor and those in most need of care,” said Dr. Stephen Anderson, president of the Washington Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). ”We understand that our state Medicaid office is working with 19 other states to develop this policy. If this plan goes into effect, other states will certainly follow suit.”

According to the ACEP, if the new conditions go into effect, it would decrease, but not dramatically decrease the number of emergency room visits as the state implies and on the other hand would greatly increase the risks of permanent debilitation or even the deaths of many patients who would put off needed care because they were afraid of being told it wasn’t an emergency. “Physicians in the state have offered to work with state officials to come up with a list of truly non-emergent conditions,” said Anderson. “We truly want to work together to help reduce health care costs, but we must protect patients from harm.”

Based on the current list of “non-emergent” conditions, miscarriage, potential heart attack symptoms and abdominal pains that could signify ruptured organs would all be considered issues that should be taken up with a primary care physician, rather than a trip to the emergency room. A patient would be allowed three E.R. visits covered by their Medicaid and would be forced to pay out of pocket for any additional visits that fell in the “non-emergent care” list.

If the patient dies in the E.R., their final bill will be forgiven.

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Read more: medicaid, washington state

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Rosemary G.

7:18PM PDT on Oct 6, 2011

Those bastards on our payrole, get full medical care coverage and they want us to go without?
Something is wrong with the picture here..Why don't we all fire them?
The Belgian country has survived two years without a governement and the country is still alive and well thank you..

send a green star

Maarja L.

2:32PM PDT on Oct 6, 2011

These are emergencies-

Monique T.

1:44PM PDT on Oct 4, 2011

Those aren't considered emergencies?! What the hell IS an emergency in their book then, full decapitation?! What a load of bull!

Faith P.

1:40PM PDT on Oct 4, 2011

this is just crazy.

Sheri P.

10:56PM PDT on Oct 3, 2011

"miscarriage, potential heart attack symptoms and abdominal pains that could signify ruptured organs" are currently non-emergent conditions and must be taken up with one's PCP? What a crock!!!! those things are emergent conditions in my book!

Past Member .

9:11AM PDT on Oct 3, 2011

Pay close attention.......Medicaid is Government run health care insurance. If they can't handle this correctly what makes people think they would do a better job w/expanding the scope of their involvement in the form of Government run healthcare.

kc K.

8:50PM PDT on Oct 2, 2011

it seems all the government is doing now days is taking away more rights and freedoms. Everyday I hear about the government disrciminating against the poor. What happened to the constitution. I'm starting to think it's been amended away.

Colleen L.

7:54PM PDT on Oct 2, 2011

Amazes me how they can classify "miscarriage, potential heart attack symptoms and abdominal pains that could signify ruptured organs" as issues that should be taken up with a primary care physician. But when one of the politican's or their family member cuts themselves, they are given the royal treatment. Today's Insurance companies make me "sick" They always promised you all these great benefits for the nice monthly fee we pay. I always thought that they were there to take care of you when you are sick. Boy was I ever wrong. I've found out from other people's and my own family's experiences, they are out to rip you off. You work you life here and one time you need assistance from these great insurance companies, they say the hel* with you by denying payment to you doctor or hospital. I personally feel that no matter where you live, with today;s economy going in the direction it's going, it's going to get tougher. I would like tear all of the insurance companies apart and create one good company that is for the people, not their pocket book. Thanks Robin

Hilary S.

6:26PM PDT on Oct 2, 2011

you don't have to pay if you die in emergency?! wonder who dreamt that one up?

Duane B.

4:26PM PDT on Oct 2, 2011

Is there no common sense in government policy development anymore?