EMTALA Problems in Ottumwa, IA

From KOTV

Ottumwans woke to shocking news Wednesday morning, a notice that Medicare coverage could be cut at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.

The notice, in the Ottumwa Courier's classified section, stated that ORHC is not in "substantial compliance with medicare regulations," according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The notice went on to say that Medicare payments would not be furnished for patients at Ottumwa Regional after August 11.

The notice came as a surprise to hospital leaders. They tell KTVO that Ottumwa Regional has been in an ongoing investigation in accordance with federal regulations for the past two months, but the termination notice comes from a separate issue unrelated to that original investigation.

"This is an extreme action based on a case that was not even identified in their original complaint," ORHC President & CEO Lynn Olson said.