title: Warning: COBRA contract conflicts can leave you some litigious decisions.
abstract: Many managed care contracts run contrary to federal law when it comes to the screening and treatment of out-of-plan patients who present to the emergency department. Understanding the law and writing and using specific policy guidelines can help you avoid an unpleasant meeting with federal prosecutors.
mesh_terms: D002204:Capitation Fee; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration; D016134:Organizational Policy; D014481:United States