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Stuart A. George, MD
FHP Salt Lake City

JAMA. 1986;255(2):197-198.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

To the Editor.—

As chief of surgery of a moderately-sized (50,000+ members), urban health maintenance organization (HMO), I would like to respond to the letter from Dr Richard F. Kunkle.¹ Our policy as an HMO, clearly stated to all community emergency rooms, is that in life-threatening emergencies we expect that emergency care will be rendered irrespective of the patient's HMO affiliation, insurance coverage, or method of payment. Our policy is similarly stated to our patients. The reverse side of the plastic identification card issued to all members states in boldfaced type: "Life Threatening Emergencies: Call your local rescue unit or go to the nearest emergency room. Notify FHP within 48 hours to ensure payment for emergency expenses. ATTENTION PROVIDER: FHP will cover the cost of emergency care required to prevent death or disability for eligible members. Please provide necessary care and notify FHP immediately to verify membership and obtain . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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