Scanners, schedules, and statutes: A tale of trauma, policy, and profit.

EMTALA (Emergency Medicine Treatment and Labor Act) is an important federal mandate intended to improve access to emergency medical services for patients regardless of financial means. The act imposes strict guidelines on emergency departments, associated referral specialists, and ancillary services. Radiology departments must comply with all ETMALA requirements to avoid potentially incapacitating penalties to their institutions.

Duke Scholars

Author Robert Optican Radiology, Cardiothoracic Imaging