FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Enhanced Convenience
About Phoenix ER
What are your hours of operation?
We are open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. In other words, we never close, not even for holidays!
What kind of emergencies do you treat?
Phoenix ER treats the full range of medical concerns. We can diagnose and treat everything from a rash to a heart attack. We also treat physical trauma and injuries from accidents including industrial accidents and automobile accidents.
Do you provide care for babies and children in addition to adults?
Yes, we treat patients of all ages and medical conditions.
Do I need to make an appointment?
There is no need to make an appointment with Phoenix ER if you think you might be having a medical emergency. We encourage you to come in immediately.
We offer extensive out-patient Radiology, Laboratory, Infusion and other services that may require scheduling an appointment
How much is a visit at Phoenix ER?
It depends entirely on your condition, and we can provide an estimated cost of care before any sort of treatment.
What are the documentation required for outpatient services?
The following documentation is required for hospital outpatient services to be rendered. 1. Documentation that supports medical necessity of the outpatient service (e.g. physician’s office visit note, or progress note, etc.) 2. A signed and dated physician’s order for the outpatient service.
How is Phoenix ER different from an urgent care center?
Phoenix ER is open 24/7, whereas an urgent care clinic will typically only be open 8-12 hours a day. Phoenix ER is also equipped with advanced, radiology equipment and lab testing capabilities. By contrast, urgent care clinics usually have more limited laboratory and radiology testing.
Another important difference between the two is that Phoenix ER is staffed by board-certified Emergency Room Physicians and ER-trained Registered Nurses. While urgent care clinics may only be staffed by Physician’s Assistants or Nurse Practitioners.
What is the average wait time?
As a standalone emergency center, Phoenix ER features much shorter wait times than typical hospital-based emergency rooms. Phoenix ER doesn’t take patients from 911 ambulance services, therefore minimizing patient volume. Phoenix ER’s board-certified Physicians and experienced Registered Nurses are able to see you more promptly and efficiently, helping you get better and back in the comfort of your home sooner.
What if I need to be admitted to the hospital for further care?
We are able to admit patients for many conditions. In the case that an external transfer is necessary, our staff is able to initiate the transfer so that you go directly to an inpatient room and can bypass the hospital’s emergency department.
Do you have a diagnostic lab on-site?
Yes, our diagnostic lab is both CLIA and COLA certified. We can perform the majority of tests that larger hospital ERs perform. These tests are processed on-site, so we can get your results in a timely manner while you wait.
Do you offer radiology services?
Yes, our Radiology Department is equipped with modern medical equipment including an X-ray machine, MRI machine, CT scanner, and bedside Ultrasound equipment. Patients are given written radiology reports along with CDs so that they can follow up with primary care physicians or specialists if needed.
Billing & Insurance Questions
What insurance do you take?
Phoenix ER accepts all commercial insurance payments for medical emergencies and authorized medical services.
We accept all in-network rates and benefits for emergency services. We do not balance bill.
We also accept:
- Veterans (with specific service connected benefits) for medical emergencies.
- Worker’s Compensation (Arizona Law, Federal Law)
- Medicare
We are unable to accept:
- Medicaid (AHCCCS and KidsCare), TRICARE – at this time we are unable to accept government-funded insurance plans due to federal regulations.
How do I know if Phoenix ER is “in network”?
According to Arizona guidelines, all insurance carriers are required to pay in-network benefits for any member seeking emergency medical treatment. Arizona law requires your insurance carrier to pay for your emergency care, whether the emergency room is “in network” or “out of network”.The state of Arizona empowers you to use “a prudent layperson standard” in considering what constitutes an emergency.
Can I come to Phoenix ER if I don’t have insurance?
Yes, Phoenix ER always puts patients’ emergency medical needs first. If you are deemed “non-emergent” by one of our emergency physicians and do not have health insurance in place you will still have the option of using a cash-fee plan to pay for your visit.
What part of my bill am I responsible for?
Patients are responsible for any deductibles, co-insurance, or co-pays as defined in their health insurance policy. For assistance or questions, please contact us to consult with a specialist.
How is my emergency visit processed with my insurance provider?
Your visit will be processed by Tyvan Billing and sent to your insurance company. Phoenix ER accepts “in-network” benefits even if your insurance company is “out of network”.
Phoenix ER accepts payment from your commercial insurance company, even if your insurance is “out of network”. You are responsible for all co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles.
If you receive a check from your insurance company, it is your responsibility and requirement to forward that payment to the hospital or billing company upon receipt.
To learn more, visit our Billing & Insurance page.
What if I have trouble with my insurance company?
State and Federal Law requires commercial insurance to pay for the emergency evaluation of a patient presenting to an emergency department in the State of Arizona. If your insurance company refuses payment for your emergency room visit, you can file a grievance with the Arizona Department of Insurance. To learn more about the Arizona Department of Insurance, please visit https://insurance.az.gov/.
You can also contact our Billing Department, Tyvan Billing, at (713) 357-2535.
What about worker's compensation?
Under Arizona law, it is mandatory for employers to secure workers’ compensation insurance.
Workers’ compensation is a “no fault” system in which an injured employee is entitled to receive benefits for an industrial industry, no matter who caused the job-related accident.
Workers’ compensation pays medical bills and is covered underneath the Arizona Workers’ Compensation Law.
For more information on workers’ compensation visit the Industrial Commission of Arizona Claims Division.
An injured worker must file a workers’ compensation claim in writing with the Commission within one year after the injury occurred. Click here to find the forms and submit a claim.
What if I receive a check from my insurance company?
If you receive a check from your insurance company, it is your responsibility and requirement to forward that payment to the hospital or billing company upon receipt.
