1.
What is an emergency?
2. Do you accept my insurance?
3. What if you aren't in my network?
4.
What do I have to pay?
5.
How are you different than an urgent care?
6.
How are you different than a hospital?
7.
What if I have to be admitted to the hospital?
8.
What if I don't have insurance?
1.
What is an emergency?
The State of Texas has adopted the "prudent lay person" standard
as the definition of an emergency. It states
"A medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient
severity (including severe pain) such that the absence of immediate
medical attention could reasonably be expected to result in -- placing
the health of the individual (or, with respect to a pregnant woman,
the health of the woman or her unborn child) in serious jeopardy,
serious impairment to bodily functions, or serious dysfunction of
any bodily organ or part, or "With respect to a pregnant woman who
is having contractions -- that there is inadequate time to effect
a safe transfer to another hospital before delivery, or that the
transfer may pose a threat to the health or safety of the woman
or her unborn child."
2. Do you accept my insurance?
St. Michael's accepts all private insurance.
3. What if you aren't in my network?
Texas law requires insurance carriers to pay for emergency care,
whether in or out of network" at the in network level.
If your insurance company does not pay appropriately, they are in
violation of state law. Texas law makes it a criminal offense for
an insurance company to violate this law.
4. What do I have to pay?
Your ER co pays apply. In addition, an insurance company may assess
your deductible or co-insurance. St. Michael's has no control over
these items.
5. How are you different than an urgent care?
An "Urgent care" is nothing more than a doctor's office opened after
hours. Often times they are staffed by a "nurse practitioner". In
the event of a life threatening situation, they will direct you
to EMS or 911 services.
At St. Michael's 24 Hour Emergency Room, we are equipped to handle
all life threatening emergencies. With Board Certified physicians,
nurse and techs that are trained in advanced life support, you are
good hands. In fact, you'll find many of our doctors also work in
Level 1 and Level 2 trauma facilities when they are not at St. Michael's.
6. How are you different than a hospital?
At St. Michael's 24 Hour Emergency Room you won't experience the
3-6 hour waits you'll find at the hospital. In addition, we have
the luxury of admitting our patients to the best hospitals in town.
7. What if I have to be admitted to the hospital?
St. Michael's has transfer agreements with the major hospital systems.
If a patient needs to be admitted, we can find the most appropriate
facility. Gone are the days of being boarded in the ER until a bed
is available.
8. What if I don't have insurance?
St. Michael's has a self pay plan for the uninsured. It is our goal
that all patients have the best care possible.
