### Question
How is the term emergency medical condition defined?


### Answer
The term **emergency medical condition** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 1395w* as the following:

> a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that a prudent layperson, who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine, could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in—


(i) placing the health of the individual (or, with respect to a pregnant woman, the health of the woman or her unborn child) in serious jeopardy,


(ii) serious impairment to bodily functions, or


(iii) serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 1395w*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 7-SOCIAL SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER XVIII-HEALTH INSURANCE FOR AGED AND DISABLED > Part C-Medicare+Choice Program**

