Phatscotty wrote:I have a close relative that works at numerous hospitals as head ER.
So do I, and while I have not run an ER, I have been an EMT in 4 states.
Phatscotty wrote:I'm just not even going to adress that point. it's wrong on so many levels. I don't have to educate him on how it really works. I would rather stand back and watch him slit his own throat with demands for socialized medicine, so America can throw the progressives out once and for all.
Educate me? Try educating yourself. I not only have relatives in emergency care, I was an EMT in 5 states, have literally grilled local doctors and administrators on these issues, partially to solve these issues here (they are well beyond local means of solutions, though) and partially because our whole hospital/medical care systems have been in huge flux.
Among other issues, you might get admitted, get treatment, but the bill collectors WILL come calling unless you are homeless or can prove you are indigent. Even then, relatives can be hit up for payment. In our case, when my husband' insurance changed, leaving us with a $1000 deductable, we told the hospital we would pay 1/2. Their answer? We got sent to collections and I had to field 2 weeks of daily harrassing phone calls until I finally put the charges on our credit card.
Second, definitions of emergencies vary a great deal. You might get care, but the If you are a woman, are poor, are a minority person, you are far less likely to be taken seriously by doctors. If a doctor does not feel your issue is "life threatening", then you have to provide proof you can pay. If you don't, they can generally turn you away. If a doctor does not feel your issue is "life threatening", then they can generally turn you away.
The biggest issue is that when you say "emergency rooms have to treat people" you ignore the fact that emergency is not supposed to be the first line of care. People who can regularly see doctors, get the tests they need are far less likely to need the emergency room. But that care is rarely available for free. Currently, in my community, many of those who have insurance cannot afford to go. And, though I have said it before, I will say it again, those who can are WORKING people -- people working 40 hours plus -- who's kids qualify for Medicaid either because they make less than $39,000 (for a family of 4 in PA) or have a child with a disability.
This uninsured and underinsured group includes a good many small business owners as well as those who work for them.
So .. please explain exactly what it is that you feel "I just have wrong" ?
Oh .. one more thing .... I am not "a guy".
