Title: EMTALA And Urgent Care: Three Things To Know - Food, Drugs, Healthcare, Life Sciences - United States
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EMTALA And Urgent Care: Three Things To Know

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United States: EMTALA And Urgent Care: Three Things To Know
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Content: The following are three key facts about the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) that those who own, operate or are considering investing in urgent care should know: What is EMTALA? EMTALA, also known as the patient antidumping statute, sets forth federal requirements for medical screening examinations for those who seek emergency medical treatment, as well as necessary stabilizing treatment or appropriate transfer of those who have an emergency medical condition. Among other things, EMTALA specifically prohibits a delay in providing required screening or stabilization services in order to inquire about the individual's payment method or insurance status. To Whom Does EMTALA Apply? All Medicare-participating hospitals that have an emergency department, including critical access hospitals, must comply with EMTALA. Further, EMTALA'S requirements apply to all patients who come to a hospital emergency department and request examination or treatment for medical conditions, regardless of whether such patients are beneficiaries of Medicare or Medicaid. Do Urgent Care Centers Constitute "Emergency Departments"? It depends. The EMTALA regulations define "hospital with an emergency department" to mean a hospital with a dedicated emergency department.