UnitedHealthcare to halt payments for non-emergency care in ERs Doctors and hospitals oppose the policy, saying it could harm patients by delaying needed care. June 9, 2021 2:47pm Text size Copy shortlink:
UnitedHealthcare wants to stop paying for non-emergency care that s provided in emergency rooms, a move that doctors and hospitals are criticizing for its potential to stop patients from quickly getting care in situations they believe are emergencies.
Officials at Minnetonka-based UnitedHealthcare, which is the nation s largest health insurer, say the goal is to encourage patients to use urgent care, clinics or even virtual visits, when appropriate, for low-level health care needs that don t require the expertise of an ER.
When the history of the Covid-19 pandemic is written, there will be a lot of ground to cover, from the virus’s source to the race to develop vaccines. But in almost every history, Chapter One will tell the same story: We weren’t ready. Here's how we start to get ready for the next one.
A controversial new UnitedHealthcare policy intended to tamp down on emergency department visits and costs has drawn ire from providers, while insurance analysts question what, if any, impact the regulation will have.
By Jennifer Breen Feist
and Corey Feist May 25, 2021Reprints Lorna Breen: a dedicated emergency medicine physician, avid snowboarder, salsa dancer, cello player, and the cool aunt to eight nieces and nephews.
Courtesy Jennifer Breen Feist and Corey Feist
Some people are vaguely aware of the story of Dr. Lorna Breen. Among physicians and frontline caregivers, she has become the face of health care workers overwhelmed by Covid-19.
We know her as a loving sister and sister-in-law. A dedicated emergency medicine physician. An avid snowboarder, salsa dancer, cello player, and the “cool aunt” to eight nieces and nephews. Despite the fact that there were a million reasons not to, she drove a convertible sports car in Manhattan because it made her happy. She was known for her cheery attitude and her dedication to improve the health care experience for patients.