[Excaliber]

It's likely the patients could not afford additional fee's what with the co-pay, insurance payment's and all that all ready. If your on Medicare generally I would have to assume your also retired and on a fixed income. If your on Medicaid, again generally speaking, your dirt poor.

We had a thread a little while ago about University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) "dumping patients" on Medicare. Well in my opinion they are not "dumping" they are "redirecting" patients to other clinics and hospitals in the area. Sometimes even providing transportation for the patients. Patients DO receive emergency medical care and are stabilized if required and then "urged" to seek followup treatment elsewhere.

The basic structure has worked out rather well for the other area clinics and hospitals. They get patients that can provide at least Medicare monies. For some of these facilities it has meant the difference between closing the doors and staying open. Arizona should consider this plan.