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EMTALA Keep it Short and Simple (KISS) Principles

April 1, 2002

EMTALA Keep it Short and Simple (KISS) Principles

For the hospital staff and emergency physicians inquiries:

  • Do you want to see a doctor?
  • I’ll take you to the emergency department (ED).

ED:

  • Log ALL patients.
  • Medical screening exam for all patients by physician.

— If not, document why

— Left without treatment

— Refused

  • Treat all patients to a reasonable disposition in the ED.

Transfers:

  • Obtain acceptance from the receiving facility and complete a transfer form on ALL patients not otherwise being routinely discharged.
  • Accept ALL transfers if the hospital has the capacity (bed available and ever done it before) to treat the presenting problem. If not, document why.

Reporting:

  • Set up a system for reporting suspicious transfers.
  • Report ALL suspicious transfers to you and ALL suspicious refusal to accept outgoing transfers.
  • Document ALL incoming and outgoing transfers.

Emtala Kiss Principles

For the medical staff physician

If you are called — you are chosen if on-call for the ED:

  • Respond appropriately: No excuses, no complaints.
  • The emergency physician dictates appropriateness unless or until you assume care of the patient.

Transfers:

  • Accept ALL transfers if the hospital has the capacity (bed available and ever done it before) to treat the presenting problem. If not, document why.
  • Obtain acceptance from the receiving facility, and complete a transfer form on ALL patients not otherwise being routinely discharged.

ED Patient Follow-Up:

  • Do what you agreed to do later or come to the ED.
  • Do not demand payment up front or refer back to the ED if unable to pay or a noncontracted health plan.

Reporting:

  • Set up a system for reporting suspicious transfers.
  • Report ALL suspicious transfers coming to you and ALL suspicious refusals to accept outgoing transfers.
  • Document ALL incoming and outgoing transfers.

How can I help you with this patient?