Will a hospital perform a procedure without a photo identification (ID)?

From the Guidelines

Hospitals can still perform procedures without a photo ID, especially in emergency situations where immediate medical care is necessary to prevent serious harm or death. In such cases, the priority is to save lives and prevent morbidity, rather than to verify identification 1. However, for non-emergency procedures, hospitals typically require some form of identification for patient safety, insurance verification, and to prevent medical identity theft. Some key points to consider include:

• Alternative forms of identification, such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, or utility bills, may be accepted in place of a photo ID.
• Having a family member who can verify your identity may also be an option.
• Hospitals often have protocols in place for patients without standard identification, and contacting the patient registration department beforehand can help to discuss available options.
• The primary goal of identification requirements is to ensure that patients receive the correct treatment and that their medical records are accurately maintained, which is crucial for preventing morbidity and mortality 1. In emergency situations, hospitals may rely on other forms of verification, such as presentation by a current hospital or medical staff member with personal knowledge of the patient's identity, as outlined in guidelines for health care facility staff 1.

From the Research

Hospital Procedures Without Photo ID

• Hospitals may still perform procedures without a photo identification (ID) in emergency situations, as the primary concern is to provide medical care to those in need 2.
• In the past, patients without positive identification were assigned a temporary alias name, which was later changed after positive identification 3.
• The decision to perform a procedure without a photo ID may depend on the specific hospital's policies and the urgency of the medical situation.
• There is no direct evidence to suggest that hospitals will refuse to perform a procedure solely due to the lack of a photo ID.

Emergency Department Policies

• Emergency departments have a duty to examine patients to determine whether an emergency exists, regardless of their identification status 2.
• Hospitals may have varying policies and procedures for handling patients without photo ID, and these policies may not always be formally documented 4.
• The primary focus of emergency departments is to provide medical care, and the lack of a photo ID may not be a barrier to receiving treatment in emergency situations.

Patient Care and Identification

• Patients who are unable to provide identification may still receive medical care, and hospitals may use alternative methods to identify and track patients 3.
• The use of alias identities or temporary identification methods can facilitate patient care and administrative processes in emergency situations 3.
• However, the lack of a photo ID may create challenges for hospitals in terms of patient identification, record-keeping, and follow-up care.