HospitalInspections.org

Based on hospital policy and procedure review and staff interview, the hospital failed to accept the transfer of this patient based on the patient's ability to pay for care.


Findings:


1. On August 21, 2015, at 10:15 a.m., surveyors interviewed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO told surveyors the hospital believed in a holistic approach to care and treat the whole patient. The CEO told surveyors that when a patient arrived to the facility for a medical screening the patient was given the medical screening then payment arrangements were discussed.


On August 24, 2015, at 4:10 p.m., the CEO told surveyors that when another facility called to transfer a patient that the hospital did not refuse the transfer but because the patient was in a safe setting at that time the person who received the phone call would tell the other facility about insurance options for the patient so the patient would not have the worry of a financial burden.


2. On August 21, 2015, at 1:10 p.m., surveyors interviewed the Admissions Coordinator. The Admissions Coordinator told surveyors that when a patient would call to seek services, she would tell patients about insurance options and give patient referrals if needed.


The Admissions Coordinator told surveyors she would tell patients that they do have the option to present to the hospital regardless of insurance benefits.


3. On August 21, 2015, at 1:55 p.m., surveyors interviewed the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who was staffed in the admissions department.


The LPC told surveyors that patients are never refused services regardless of insurance benefits. The LPC told surveyors when she would take phone calls from a patient seeking services she encouraged the patient to present to the hospital but if the patient asked about financial obligations she discussed options with the patient and provided any referrals that could be made.


On the afternoon of August 21, 2015, surveyors reviewed a policy, titled "Emergency Screen and Patient Transfer." The policy documented, "...an assessment shall be provided to any individual requesting emergency services (irrespective of financial status)..."