In our AMA segment this month, it was stated that a patient who leaves the ED against medical advice is at risk for their insurance company not paying the bill. We have been inundated with emails saying, “Is that really true? I heard it was a myth…” It turns out that this IS a myth! Thank you for helping us set the record straight. Listen in for details.
Andrew B. - August 22, 2017 8:51 AM
Any evidence that someone signing out AMA vs. discharging and documenting prevents a lawsuit?
Melissa M. - August 30, 2017 5:51 AM
I was taught as a resident that the act of signing an AMA provides no protection. I tend to discharge and document unless I think that the patient isn't really understanding the gravity of the situation, in which case an AMA can be a useful to tool to make someone understand that I really don't think leaving is a good idea.