Washington insurers currently pay non-contracted emergency physicians the same rate as in-network physicians, but unlike in-network physicians, non-contracted physicians bill the patient for the balance. The Washington State Medical Association and the state chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians say non-contracted ER physicians have no way of knowing whether the insurers’ rates are fair.
Insurers say having to pay the full cost of non-contracted ER physician bills would drive up healthcare costs. The former Washington insurance commission interpreted the law to mean that insurers must pay all ER costs for insured patients, other than co-payments, co-insurance or deductible amounts. Insurers have since challenged that interpretation.
Read the Seattle Times report on ER physician payment.
Read more on emergency departments:
–Vanderbilt Research Team Studies Robots in EDs
–CMS Posts Revised FAQ Section Regarding ED Patients and Meaningful Use
