Let me ask for your professional opinion about this. There is a hospital in my area that shall remain nameless which has a reputation for slowness in the ER, regardless of your condition.
I fell down the steps about two weeks ago and banged my head on about five steps, hurt my neck, shoulder, elbow, and hand, but the worst was what I thought was a broken ankle.
After a two-and-a-half hour wait, I had my Mom wheel me out and take me to a hospital with a better reputation that got me right in.
The lady next to me had been there for five hours without being seen...she was an elderly accident victim. In the meantime, patients with no visible symptoms who walked in on their own power and were laughing and drinking coffee were being called in before those who seemed to need the help more.
As Mom was wheeling me out, one of the nurses came out and offered a wholehearted apology -- "I'm so sorry," she said. "It's these d$#@ people who come in here and treat the ER like a doctor's office."
What gives? Is that poor management, or are some people "entitled" to immediate healthcare because of their lack of insurance? If it's such a problem, why take them before someone that you have to apologize to for suffering from it?
Your question requires a much more involved answer than I can give right now. I will post a more thorough answer tomorrow evening. I have to hit the sack- I am working tomorrow!
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