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EMTALA medical screening exam — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateEthics, risk management, disposition, medicolegalEMTALA medical screening examABEM Board

A 50-year-old uninsured man arrives with chest pain and requests evaluation. Triage acuity is ESI 2; BP 148/86 mm Hg, HR 104/min. Registration staff say his prior bill is unpaid. He is in the ED waiting area and has not yet been examined. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Provide an appropriate medical screening examination regardless of ability to pay

EMTALA requires an appropriate medical screening examination for anyone presenting to the ED requesting evaluation, independent of payment status.

Reference: EMTALA statute and CMS interpretive guidance