20% Of Inpatient Emergency Department Admissions May Lead To Surprise Out-Of-Network Bills

In 2014, 20% of hospital inpatient admissions that originated in the emergency department (ED) likely led to a surprise medical bill because one or more of the professionals who provided services did not participate in the individual’s health plan network. Surprise bills were also projected for about 14% of outpatient ED visits, and 9% of elective inpatient admissions. Since 2007, the likelihood of surprise medical bills has dropped. In 2017, nearly 28% of ED hospital admissions, 18% of outpatient ED visits, and 14% of elective inpatient admissions likely resulted in surprise medical bills.

These findings were reported in “One . . .