All emergency episodes to the ER by our tribal members, e.g., individual patients, the disabled, or the elderly, are protected under the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act.
Indian Health Service Definitions
Emergency/ER
An emergency is any medical condition for which immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent the death or serious impairment of the health of an individual.
Elderly
The IHS defines an elderly individual as someone aged 65 or older.
Disabled
A disabled individual is a person who has a physical or mental condition that prevents him or her from reasonably providing or cooperating in obtaining the information necessary to notify the IHS of their receipt of emergency care or services from a non-service provider or facility within 72 hours after the nonservice provider began to deliver the care.
72-Hour Notification
In emergency cases, the patient, an individual or agency acting on behalf of the patient, or the medical care provider shall, within 72 hours after the beginning of treatment for the condition or after admission to a health care facility, notify the appropriate official of the admission or treatment and provide information to determine the relative medical need for the services.
The 72-hour period may be extended if the appropriate official determines that notification within the prescribed period was impracticable or that other good cause exists for the failure to comply.
30-Day Notification
The IHCIA, 25 U.S.C. § 1646, allows the elderly and disabled 30 days to notify the IHS or Tribal program, such as the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center’s Purchase Referred Care department, of emergency medical care received from non-IHS medical providers or at non-IHS medical facilities.
We’re Here to Help
If you need assistance in calling or emailing CAIHC’s PRC department, please call us at the following numbers:
DOT Lake Village PRC/Advocacy Committee
Program Director: Alan Faulkner
PO Box 70494, Fairbanks, Alaska 99707
Office: 907-882-5556
Message Line: 907-931-3446
Print/download version of the information on this page: Emergency Room Notification (PDF)
Outside Provider and Emergency Room Notification
Prior authorization must be made for all non-emergency visits only to outside providers if payment is requested and/or to be paid.
If you are seen in an emergency room, a 72-hour notification must be made or the medical claim will not be approved:
- Out-of-State: 800-770-8251 ext. 3613
- In-State: 800-478-6682 ext. 3613
Please submit claims to:
Attention: CAIHC Purchase Referred Care Program
122 First Ave.
Fairbanks, AK 99701