CONTINUITY OF CARE (NSA)

Summary

Continuity of Care under the No Surprises Act (NSA) is a patient protection provision that ensures individuals can maintain their relationship with their current healthcare provider for a specific period (typically 90 days for ongoing treatment or through completion of a treatment course) even after their insurance network changes. This prevents patients from being forced to abruptly switch providers in the middle of treatment due to network disruptions beyond their control.

Usage Context

Understanding continuity of care is crucial when studying patient rights, insurance network management, healthcare access policies, and No Surprises Act compliance requirements in healthcare administration and policy courses.

Common Confusions

• Assuming continuity of care lasts indefinitely rather than for a limited time period
• Confusing continuity of care with surprise billing protections
• Thinking it applies to elective procedures when it's primarily for ongoing treatments
• Believing patients can choose any provider under continuity rules
• Misunderstanding who initiates the continuity of care process