NCJ Number
144887
Journal
American Jails Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: (July-August 1993) Pages: 28-32
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the characteristics and impact of the use of inmate fees for medical services at the Mobile County Metro Jail (Alabama).
Abstract
The policy of charging inmates for medical services began on August 1, 1991. Under the program an inmate must first be seen by a nurse, who evaluates the inmate to determine whether or not to refer him to a doctor or dentist. There is a $10.00 charge to see the nurse and another $10.00 charge to see the doctor or dentist. Free medical services include a medical evaluation upon entering the facility, psychiatric services, and emergency services. An emergency is defined as a life-threatening situation and is determined by the medical staff. Inmates purchase over- the-counter medications from the commissary. There is no charge for prescription drugs or for chronic care. If an inmate has no funds, then his account goes into a negative balance. If payments are made in the future, then charges are deducted from the account. The program leaves it to the inmate to determine whether or not he should see the nurse. The $10.00 fee discourages frivolous complaints, and the availability of over-the-counter drugs at the commissary frees the nurse from having to dispense this medication. The program has reduced medical costs and relieved nurse burnout due to minor and frivolous complaints. In 1992, the program generated $4,810.00 in fees. Sick calls decreased by 1,010. The personnel hours saved for sick calls were 1,040. In 1992, with the onset of the Fee For Medical Services Program, inmates are required to pay for outside clinic visits and surgeries for pre-existing conditions.