ED Management – April 1, 2005
April 1, 2005
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Quick turnover of physician groups raises red flags for ED managers
That was quick . . . In late November 2004, Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN, replaced its existing emergency physician staffing group, Emergency Physicians Professional Association (EPPA), with EmCare, a Dallas-based corporation providing services to more than 300 hospitals in 37 states. On Jan. 20, 2005 a mere 61 days later Methodist announced it was re-establishing its relationship with EPPA. -
Physician-owned group or corporation: Pros, cons
The turnover of ED physician contracts at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN, has brought into focus some of the major issues evolving in the competition between smaller, physician-owned ED groups and the larger corporate entities, such as EmCare, of Dallas; Team Health of Knoxville, TN; and Sterling Healthcare of Durham, NC. While some of those issues are philosophical, others are legal and may have significant implications for ED managers. -
ED screening changes put pressure on competitors
When Ocala (FL) Regional Medical Center announced a new screening initiative that would involve counseling nonurgent patients to seek alternative care, a funny thing happened: Local competitors Monroe Regional and Timber Ridge became involved when they heard about our initiative, because they felt they would then be inundated by patients who were not having their treatment here, notes Susan Atkin, RN, ED director. -
ED managers: Know your EMTALA guidelines
The screening/counseling initiative employed by HCA facilities in Houston and Ocala, FL, appears to be in compliance with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), says one expert. However, he notes that there are many aspects of the act that apply to these processes, and its crucial that ED managers understand what they are and how they can affect the design of such initiatives. -
Use of e-mail raises many HIPAA concerns for EDs
While the transmission of electronic information has become an integral part of our daily business and personal lives, for health care providers, including ED managers, it carries with it a special set of obligations and responsibilities. -
Do EDs need a policy for e-communications?
While your facility, no doubt, has a HIPAA-compliance policy, which, among other things, covers electronic communications, it might be a good idea to craft one that is specific to your ED, experts say. -
An increase in obesity takes a toll on EDs
The national rise in obesity is significantly affecting the nations EDs. In fact, a recent nationwide survey of Irving, TX-based VHA hospitals showed 90% of the respondents said they had treated obese patients who were first seen in the EDs. -
EMTALA Q&A
This column addresses readers questions about the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). Does EMTALA apply to a patient who presents to the ED with a scheduled appointment?