For a look at the kind of problems that inspired the legislation, we have this report from correspondent Lee Hochberg. Sunday night was a typical night at the Maryvale Samaritan Emergency Room in Phoenix. Patients streamed in steadily, but some had long waits, and it wasn't because the emergency room was overcrowded. We're still waiting for permission. HMO's say it can take that long for their doctors to determine ER treatment is needed.
Emergency rooms are expensive.
One way HMO's cut costs is to authorize visits. Patients with traditional insurance don't have to await such authorization. ER treatment often is delayed while HMO gatekeepers consider the case. Sholanda Warner came in with a deep gash over her right eye and waited more than an hour with her father. It's been an hour since the last time I spoke to them.