Annals of emergency medicine
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The Indian Health Service provides health care to eligible American Indians and Alaskan Natives. No published data exist on emergency services offered by this unique health care system. We seek to determine the characteristics and capabilities of Indian Health Service emergency departments (EDs). ⋯ Indian Health Service EDs varied widely in visit volume, with many operating over capacity. Most were not staffed by board-certified or -prepared emergency physicians. Most lacked access to specialty consultation and telemedicine capabilities.