Question Regarding Hospitalizations

[RubyBlue]

For those in the US- if you don’t have insurance (or cash) can you be voluntarily hospitalized? From what I understand, unless you have insurance or cash, you can’t go to a hospital at all unless it’s the emergency room. And I’m afraid if I go to an ER I won’t be taken seriously because I’m not really suicidal, yet. That’s the thing is yet. But I know it’s on the horizon and I’m doing what I can to stop it, but this world has me so unbelievably overwhelmed right now and I can’t think straight anymore. When I was hospitalized before, part of me hated it sure, but a bigger part felt so safe and calm and just away from the chaos of the real world and I want that back.

 

[joeylittle]

From what I understand, unless you have insurance or cash, you can’t go to a hospital at all unless it’s the emergency room.

I believe that's correct, though happy to have someone with more direct knowledge weigh in.

Generally, for a hospital admission, you would need a referral from a physician. Then, when scheduling the admission, you'd go through the pre-approval process with the hospital, either for insurance or out-of-pocket payment.

Being referred to an inpatient ward from the ER is basically the same process - the only difference is, the referring physician is the ER doctor (or on-call psychiatrist), and the payment will be assigned to a guarantor (you, or your legal guardian) if there's no proof of insurance.

You posted this about a week ago...How are you feeling, now? Are you still concerned about your safety?

 

[RubyBlue]

Feeling better. I’m pretty positive I’m safe now. That was just a really hard couple of days where I was really fighting sh urges and really considering any way I could get in. I’m doing better now though. Thank you for checking in.

 

[joeylittle]

I’m doing better now

Glad to hear it.

 

[recoveringfromptsd]

There are 2 basic things that almost universally are guidance for hospitalizations, same for voluntary or involuntary, commitment is usually only considered when you unwilling or unable to seek help on your own.

1) danger to self or others (evidence of self harm and suicidal often given the same weight. )
2) unable to care for self (so disabling you can’t function)

as far as insurance goes at least in the us can’t use lack of insurance to deny treatment, most Hospitals get federal funding to expand, new innovation, and research And thus have to provide a percentage of care to the needy. Some states have a special fund for this too. In va it’s called state and local hospitalization.

but the er is a reality you have to face as the front door to care. Even if admitted directly by a doctor you still have to be medically cleared first. and that’s in the er. Consider Doctor prescribed sedatives To make it easier. If they ask why you have done so you can tell them that your symptoms are so bad you can’t function or even face getting into the er. Maybe having some trusted be with you And even maybe act as your advocate.

 

[EmmaOwl]

And even maybe act as your advocate.

Yes, THIS. A psych ER visit is a tossup.
And if you don't have someone to bring, you can and absolutely should remember to request a hospital Patient Advocate to be with you in the ER as well. The hospitals must provide them by law. This is in the United States. Or ask for a chaplain. Just keep a list (it sounds grim but ER can be needed for much more mundane things, and you're still entitled to outside support if you know to ask for it. That has absolutely nothing to do with ability to pay.

@Annalyn78 I hope you are getting ahead of this now! I've been enjoying your posts.

 

[MainerMikeBrown]

The first time I went to the hospital for psychiatric reasons was in 2000. It was before I went on Maine state disability.

I had health insurance through my employer at the time. But my insurance plan was limited as to how long the insurance company would pay the hospital for me to be there. As a result, the first time I went to the hospital, I was released before I was ready to be released.

That's bad and unacceptable!