Brooklyn, NY asked in Immigration Law for New York

Q: Illegal immigrants left to die?

Hello

A suspected csf leak which is the most misdiagnosed thing there is, has gotten to the point where said person is almost blind at this point. My question is, does the emergency room take care of that and it's underlying problem even if that person is undocumented with no insurance? Is potential blindness considered an emergency?

Thank you

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: Hello,

In the United States, emergency rooms are required by law to provide care to all patients regardless of their immigration status or ability to pay. This includes urgent conditions that could lead to serious health consequences, such as potential blindness. A suspected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak with significant symptoms, including severe vision impairment, would typically be considered an emergency that warrants immediate attention.

When you visit the emergency room, the medical team will assess your condition to determine the urgency and type of care needed. If your condition is deemed an emergency, they are obligated to stabilize you. This initial care focuses on addressing immediate threats to your health and may include interventions to prevent the situation from worsening. However, comprehensive treatment of the underlying cause might require further medical evaluation and possibly long-term management, which could be addressed after the immediate risks are mitigated.

For individuals without insurance or documentation, there are resources and organizations that can provide assistance and guidance on how to navigate the healthcare system for follow-up care and support. It's important to seek help as soon as possible to address your health concerns and to inquire about available services for continued care and support in managing your condition.

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