When it comes to miscarriage, the ER doesn't always provide the most timely or sensitive care. Unfortunately, you can expect long waiting times, a lack of follow-ups, and a lack of medical professionals trained to deal with the emotional tax of miscarriage. Knowing this, there are some things you can do to prepare.
While this might seem like a no-brainer, it's often easy to forget things at home during a stressful situation. While bringing these items is helpful, if you forget or just don't have them, the ER is still legally required to treat you. It may also be helpful to bring a list of allergies and medications that you are on.
It's often difficult to self-advocate during an emotionally and physically distressing time, so if you can, bring someone who can advocate for you.
A wait in the ER can take hours, and you may need your phone to access medical records or contact people.
The wait might be long, and you might already be in physical discomfort.
Although the ER should supply you with what you need, this might ease anxiety about bleeding through a pad.
It's all right if you don't know exactly how far along you are because they should be able to tell based on the ultrasound. However, knowing how far along you are might inform the urgency with which they treat you,
Almost all non-profit and public hospitals have charity care. If you don't have insurance and your household income is under a certain threshold, you may qualify for your hospital's financial assistance. For more information, you can visit the front desk before you leave or call the number on their website.
Additionally, a trip to the ER usually will not result in out-of-network charges for most forms of private insurance or government insurance (such as Medicare and Medicaid). This is because presenting to the ER with a miscarriage is considered an emergency, and therefore protected under the federal No Surprises Act or separate policies regarding government insurance.