Through calling your local hospital, county health department, etc., try to get answers to the following question. (Past students have had more luck with the county health department or the health occupations faculty at the local community college than with hospitals or private doctors’ offices.)

Question

How are uninsured patients handled in your hospital’s emergency room?
Is there basic health care (strep throat, simple injuries, etc.) available to patients without insurance?
Is there an adequate number of doctors for the population?
About what percentage of health care providers accept Title 19?
Is chemical dependency treatment available?
Do some insurance companies only accept some providers?
Try to answer as many of the above as possible, with the understanding that health care providers are frequently reluctant to answer some of the above.

Check with each other through email to see if there might be some of you from the same community. If so, you may divide the questions and share answers with each other. Type the answers you got and upload.

Answer 1

I can’t conduct phone calls or reach out to local health departments or hospitals directly. However, I can guide you on how to obtain the information you're looking for. Here’s how you can approach each question:

1. How are uninsured patients handled in your hospital’s emergency room?

   • When you call, ask about the procedures for uninsured patients. Many hospitals are required to provide care regardless of a patient's ability to pay, but they might have specific policies regarding billing or payment plans.

2. Is there basic health care (strep throat, simple injuries, etc.) available to patients without insurance?

   • Inquire if the hospital or health department has a clinic or program that offers basic medical services for uninsured individuals. Community health clinics often provide this care on a sliding scale based on income.

3. Is there an adequate number of doctors for the population?

   • You could ask about the doctor-to-patient ratio in your area. This information might be harder to come by, but health departments often have data on provider availability.

4. About what percentage of health care providers accept Title 19?

   • This refers to Medicaid. You can ask how many local providers participate in the Medicaid program. The answer might require specific statistics, so you may be directed to a state health database or report.

5. Is chemical dependency treatment available?

   • Check if the hospital or health department offers substance abuse programs or can refer you to local resources for chemical dependency treatment.

6. Do some insurance companies only accept some providers?

   • This question can be complex, but you can ask if there are common insurer-provider agreements in the area, or whether they know of any trends in which insurers limit their networks.

After gathering information, you can compile your findings and share them with your classmates. When contacting, be polite and clear about your request to improve your chances of receiving thorough answers. Good luck!