WA, USA: Zero Tolerance Policy that would force Medicaid patients to self-diagnose on hold for now

[Emily]

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/washington-state-changes-course-upholds-prudent-layperson-standard-for-medicaid-emergency-patients-2012-04-02

April 2, 2012, 2:16 p.m. EDT
Washington State Changes Course - Upholds Prudent Layperson Standard for Medicaid Emergency Patients

WASHINGTON, April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire has suspended the April 1 implementation of a Zero Tolerance Policy that would have denied payments for treating Medicaid emergency patients. Denials would have been based on a list of 500 final diagnoses the state has deemed to be nonurgent....

ER medical professionals are concerned about negative public health effects of the policy, and also the financial burdens the policy would impose upon ER's that chose to use best medical judgement to treat needy patients even if the Zero Tolerance Policy would preclude Medicaid reimbursement.

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/04/02/2092712/medicaid-er-visit-limits-will.html

Dr. Nathan Schlicher, an emergency doctor who represented the doctors and hospitals, said Gregoire?s action was ?great news,? and that he hoped it signaled lawmakers? intentions to move ahead with the alternative plan.

?We are excited about the recognition of the real savings in the plan and hopeful to continue working with the state to not only achieve real savings, but improve the quality of care delivered to Medicaid patients across the state,? he said.

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/04/02/2092712/medicaid-er-visit-limits-will.html#storylink=cpy