Corrina Barclay had been suffering from a severe earache for several days. She made an appointment with otolaryngologist Amanda Morrison, whom she had not seen before. When Corrina arrived for her scheduled 2 pm appointment the next afternoon, Paula Troutman, the medical receptionist, checked her in and asked for her insurance ID card. Corrina, after searching through her purse, determined that she had left it at home. She told Paula that she was employed with the local city police force and was enrolled in the city's group employer plan. The city's plan was through Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the ID numbers (at that time) were the same as the enrollees' Social Security numbers. Paula informed Corrina that providing a Social Security number wasn't adequate, that it was the policy of the practice not to see new patients unless they could show proof of insurance, and that the doctor could not see her until she produced her insurance ID card. Corrina left without receiving treatment and went to the emergency room. Blue Cross and Blue Shield subsequently refused to pay the ER fees, stating that Corrina's medical problem wasn't a bona fide emergency. Was Paula ethically right in refusing to allow Corrina to see Dr. Morrison for treatment? How would you have handled this situation? Can you explain why Corrina could be treated in the ER without proof of insurance and not in a physician’s office?


plsss help