Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Starting this past Saturday, June 1st, LBJ Medical Center facility fees for outpatient clinics and related services — for all residents — are temporarily suspended. And, the news is being welcomed by the community.

The suspended fees apply to the following clinics: dialysis; dental; ear, nose, and throat; eye; general surgery; OB/GYN; pediatrics; laboratory services; internal/medical; radiology; and rehabilitation or physical therapy.

Proof of residency for US nationals and US citizens, and legal resident ID cards must be presented.

The two services that aren't included are the Emergency Room (the charge is still $20) and the pharmacy ($10 per prescription still applies).

According to hospital officials, the goal is to encourage locals to use the outpatient clinics so the problem with an overcrowded ER will be a thing of the past.

When it was suggested that the ER and Pharmacy service fees be suspended as well, an LBJ official responded, "No hospital in the world operates for free. The hospital needs money to sustain its operations."

"The ER wouldn't be so crowded if people kept their hospital appointments and followed the doctor's orders. What's happening is, people don't follow their diet and exercise regimens. They don't come see the doctor when they're supposed to. And then one day, they get really sick and have to be rushed to the ER. Hopefully, the suspension of fees will encourage everyone to keep their scheduled appointments so the ER traffic is reduced."