Paul Kivela, MD
Paul Kivela, MD, MBA, FACEP, president of ACEP, is managing partner of Napa Valley Emergency Medical Group, and medical director of Medic Ambulance in Vallejo, Calif. Dr. Kivela has been actively involved with ACEP for more than 20 years and served as an ACEP councillor or alternate since 1994. He was elected to the ACEP Board in 2010 and 2013. Dr. Kivela has also served as chair of ACEP’s State Legislation and Regulatory Committees. On the state level, he has served as president of the California Chapter of ACEP. Dr. Kivela earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and completed his internship and residency in emergency medicine at the Los Angeles County-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He received his MBA from the University of Texas.
Why Unfair ER Coverage Policies are Risky for Patients
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's policy that retroactively denies payment for emergency department care is unfair and places a dangerous burden on patients.
Denying Coverage for Emergency Care is a Danger to Patients
New health insurance policies that deny coverage for emergency care after patients have already been seen and evaluated means that they will have to determine for themselves whether their symptoms are an emergency or be at risk for large bills. Keep in mind that it's hard to do even if you are a doctor.