How is a 2 hour emergency room visit worth $3000????

[steveo777]

Early last month I was having severe anxiety, in fact, I thought I was having a heart attack. I drove myself into the emergency room which is only 5 minutes away from where I live. They did a blood draw and connected me to an EKG. The doctor just asked me some questions and had me lay there while the EKG did it's tests, then had me wait it out a bit for the blood work to come back. They said my heart was fine and I was not having issues there, but stress and anxiety probably set it off and could have been angina, as well. They prescribed some anti anxiety meds and sent me home about 2 hours later. I have insurance and they still sent me a $998 bill for my portion, claiming they have already billed the insurance company 2 grand. I feel I am being gouged and I really hope that all the charges made at the hospital by illegals are not being offset by people like me. I think it's bullshit and part of me wants to tell them to fuck off and pay what should be fair and reasonable charges, which clearly this is not. I'm pissed!

Anyone know a way to find out if this visit really should have cost 3 grand?

[tater1977]

Tell the hospital you need a detailed billing list...Then go over it line by line...
there will be some prices you will be shocked by...

[steveo777]

Tell the hospital you need a detailed billing list...Then go over it line by line...
there will be some prices you will be shocked by...

I don't have a problem with them charging me what is fair and reasonable.....I'm not gonna let them fuck me either and all indications to me are that they are.

[tater1977]

Tell the hospital you need a detailed billing list...Then go over it line by line...
there will be some prices you will be shocked by...

I don't have a problem with them charging me what is fair and reasonable.....I'm not gonna let them fuck me either and all indications to me are that they are.

Went thru the same thing last year...Got a detailed bill & wasn't satisfied..Called the Billing dept at the hosp..got a reply I wasn't convinced of...(a couple double charges)..so contacted my insurer & they looked into it...Hmmm..somehow the bill was reduced by
31% ....

[steveo777]

Tell the hospital you need a detailed billing list...Then go over it line by line...
there will be some prices you will be shocked by...

I don't have a problem with them charging me what is fair and reasonable.....I'm not gonna let them fuck me either and all indications to me are that they are.

Went thru the same thing last year...Got a detailed bill & wasn't satisfied..Called the Billing dept at the hosp..got a reply I wasn't convinced of...(a couple double charges)..so contacted my insurer & they looked into it...Hmmm..somehow the bill was reduced by
31% ....

Ok, I'm gonna rattle some cages.....no, I'm gonna raise some hell.

[AR]

If you could drive yourself it isn't an "emergency". Not making light of your situation at all (and understand), but just consider how many people in and out of hospitals every hour of every day. If I'm shot in the chest and bleeding out = that is an emergency.

Try going in an ambulance. Way more expensive.

Express care = much cheaper. They will know if you are going to croak or not at least and then you will know if it is truly an emergency.

Health care is not a right, it is something that you have to pay for if you want it.

You had every right to go to the ER, and I think $3000 is just what it costs to jump in line.

[steveo777]

If you could drive yourself it isn't an "emergency". Not making light of your situation at all (and understand), but just consider how many people in and out of hospitals every hour of every day.

Try going in an ambulance. Way more expensive.

Express care = much cheaper. They will know if you are going to croak or not at least and then you will know if it is truly an emergency.

Health care is not a right, it is something that you have to pay for if you want it.

I understand that it's not a right, but it makes me wonder why I pay almost $300 a month for health insurance, but yet still get stuck with a bill like this for such a short visit. I'd never had those kinds of chest pains and figured I could get there quicker than an ambulance could get me there. I'm stubborn like that.

[AR]

If you could drive yourself it isn't an "emergency". Not making light of your situation at all (and understand), but just consider how many people in and out of hospitals every hour of every day.

Try going in an ambulance. Way more expensive.

Express care = much cheaper. They will know if you are going to croak or not at least and then you will know if it is truly an emergency.

Health care is not a right, it is something that you have to pay for if you want it.

I understand that it's not a right, but it makes me wonder why I pay almost $300 a month for health insurance, but yet still get stuck with a bill like this for such a short visit. I'd never had those kinds of chest pains and figured I could get there quicker than an ambulance could get me there. I'm stubborn like that.

Believe me I get it.

[AR]

Steve this is a story I have similar to yours.

3 years ago I'm driving back from Charlotte to Baltimore with my younger brother (age 39) in the car. He feels bad into the trip and by Northern Virginia he thinks he is having a heart attack. He wanted me to use GPS to find the nearest hospital and I said fuck that. Pulled off the nearest exist and ran into a hotel lobby and they called 911. Ambulance there in less than 5 minutes. Wicked fast. He ended up fine after an overnight stay. He paid dearly for it to the tune of $7000 but is grateful.

Now if the U.S. enacts Obamacare and a free ride is granted to all, how long does it take help to arrive?

Our lives are the most precious thing as individuals. Care isn't and shouldn't come cheap. Yes though, the system can be improved, it just isn't an entitlement as some think.

OMG, I just posted something that wasn't a dick joke or making fun of a rock band!

[Peartree12249]

Early last month I was having severe anxiety, in fact, I thought I was having a heart attack. I drove myself into the emergency room which is only 5 minutes away from where I live. They did a blood draw and connected me to an EKG. The doctor just asked me some questions and had me lay there while the EKG did it's tests, then had me wait it out a bit for the blood work to come back. They said my heart was fine and I was not having issues there, but stress and anxiety probably set it off and could have been angina, as well. They prescribed some anti anxiety meds and sent me home about 2 hours later. I have insurance and they still sent me a $998 bill for my portion, claiming they have already billed the insurance company 2 grand. I feel I am being gouged and I really hope that all the charges made at the hospital by illegals are not being offset by people like me. I think it's bullshit and part of me wants to tell them to fuck off and pay what should be fair and reasonable charges, which clearly this is not. I'm pissed!

Anyone know a way to find out if this visit really should have cost 3 grand?

Don't pay anything until you get an EOB from your insurance co. If the hospital is a preferred provider, the charges will probably be significantly reduced. How big is your deductible?

[Everett]

Tell the hospital you need a detailed billing list...Then go over it line by line...
there will be some prices you will be shocked by...

I don't have a problem with them charging me what is fair and reasonable.....I'm not gonna let them fuck me either and all indications to me are that they are.

Went thru the same thing last year...Got a detailed bill & wasn't satisfied..Called the Billing dept at the hosp..got a reply I wasn't convinced of...(a couple double charges)..so contacted my insurer & they looked into it...Hmmm..somehow the bill was reduced by
31% ....

Ok, I'm gonna rattle some cages.....no, I'm gonna raise some hell.

Steveo 3:16

Seriously though hope you get this straightend out. This is unreal.

[steveo777]

Early last month I was having severe anxiety, in fact, I thought I was having a heart attack. I drove myself into the emergency room which is only 5 minutes away from where I live. They did a blood draw and connected me to an EKG. The doctor just asked me some questions and had me lay there while the EKG did it's tests, then had me wait it out a bit for the blood work to come back. They said my heart was fine and I was not having issues there, but stress and anxiety probably set it off and could have been angina, as well. They prescribed some anti anxiety meds and sent me home about 2 hours later. I have insurance and they still sent me a $998 bill for my portion, claiming they have already billed the insurance company 2 grand. I feel I am being gouged and I really hope that all the charges made at the hospital by illegals are not being offset by people like me. I think it's bullshit and part of me wants to tell them to fuck off and pay what should be fair and reasonable charges, which clearly this is not. I'm pissed!

Anyone know a way to find out if this visit really should have cost 3 grand?

Don't pay anything until you get an EOB from your insurance co. If the hospital is a preferred provider, the charges will probably be significantly reduced. How big is your deductible?

I thought my deductible was 20%. I need to contact the insurance company for clarification on this. I've haven't needed to use my insurance many years. I have not received an EOB yet from them. I just got the news of the amount by phone from the hospital because they said they sent me a bill and it was returned. Apparently they made a typo error on my address.

[Peartree12249]

Early last month I was having severe anxiety, in fact, I thought I was having a heart attack. I drove myself into the emergency room which is only 5 minutes away from where I live. They did a blood draw and connected me to an EKG. The doctor just asked me some questions and had me lay there while the EKG did it's tests, then had me wait it out a bit for the blood work to come back. They said my heart was fine and I was not having issues there, but stress and anxiety probably set it off and could have been angina, as well. They prescribed some anti anxiety meds and sent me home about 2 hours later. I have insurance and they still sent me a $998 bill for my portion, claiming they have already billed the insurance company 2 grand. I feel I am being gouged and I really hope that all the charges made at the hospital by illegals are not being offset by people like me. I think it's bullshit and part of me wants to tell them to fuck off and pay what should be fair and reasonable charges, which clearly this is not. I'm pissed!

Anyone know a way to find out if this visit really should have cost 3 grand?

Don't pay anything until you get an EOB from your insurance co. If the hospital is a preferred provider, the charges will probably be significantly reduced. How big is your deductible?

I thought my deductible was 20%. I need to contact the insurance company for clarification on this. I've haven't needed to use my insurance many years. I have not received an EOB yet from them. I just got the news of the amount by phone from the hospital because they said they sent me a bill and it was returned. Apparently they made a typo error on my address.

No that's your co-pay. The deductible is separate.

[Don]

The deductible is how much you have to pay through the year before your percentages kick in. If you have a 5,000 dollar deductible and haven't been to the doctor yet your enrollment calendar year, you will pay the max on anything under 5,000 dollars if there is no deductible waiver for that particular reason that you came in. Your Insurer's fee schedule should have all this in black and white.

[Ehwmatt]

Early last month I was having severe anxiety, in fact, I thought I was having a heart attack. I drove myself into the emergency room which is only 5 minutes away from where I live. They did a blood draw and connected me to an EKG. The doctor just asked me some questions and had me lay there while the EKG did it's tests, then had me wait it out a bit for the blood work to come back. They said my heart was fine and I was not having issues there, but stress and anxiety probably set it off and could have been angina, as well. They prescribed some anti anxiety meds and sent me home about 2 hours later. I have insurance and they still sent me a $998 bill for my portion, claiming they have already billed the insurance company 2 grand. I feel I am being gouged and I really hope that all the charges made at the hospital by illegals are not being offset by people like me. I think it's bullshit and part of me wants to tell them to fuck off and pay what should be fair and reasonable charges, which clearly this is not. I'm pissed!

Anyone know a way to find out if this visit really should have cost 3 grand?

Don't pay anything until you get an EOB from your insurance co. If the hospital is a preferred provider, the charges will probably be significantly reduced. How big is your deductible?

I thought my deductible was 20%. I need to contact the insurance company for clarification on this. I've haven't needed to use my insurance many years. I have not received an EOB yet from them. I just got the news of the amount by phone from the hospital because they said they sent me a bill and it was returned. Apparently they made a typo error on my address.

First of all your deductible is going to be a concrete dollar amount, not a %. That's probably your co-pay.

Second of all, touch base with your insurance company and find out what is truly owed. I get bills from doctors all the time (well not all the time because I don't go all the time), and most of the time it ends up the insurance company has paid the bill in full anyway.

Third, I'd probably be more judicious about going to the emergency room next time.

Finally, if you do end up having to pay that sum, yes, that absolutely is the hospital passing the costs of treating uninsured, illegal, and indigent people that they are compelled to treat. Lucky you, and luckier them.

[SF-Dano]

Since my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I have learned to never pay the first bill sent by Hospitals, Ambulance, or labs. It is funny (or maddening) but they seem to have this way of always becoming less on the second or third mailing. Especially after a couple of mildly angry phone calls. I don't recall it being like this 5 or more years ago, but I have definitily seen this in the past couple years with regards to my son's and my wife's medical needs. Give em hell first, pay later.

[Rick]

There are two prices hospitals charge. One price is for insured and the other is for uninsured. Same with dentists, local health care facilities and so forth. If you don't believe me, go to one of these places, get treated and tell them you don't have insurance.

[steveo777]

There are two prices hospitals charge. One price is for insured and the other is for uninsured. Same with dentists, local health care facilities and so forth. If you don't believe me, go to one of these places, get treated and tell them you don't have insurance.

The illegal and migrant issue is real here. We have a huge population of them here and they are a drain on the medical resources and the rest of us appear to be taking it up the butt for the costs of our own care because the hospitals and doctors have to get the money from where they can. This should anger most people who actually belong here and pay for their own benefits. I'm not a hater, but this just isn't right. I am not opposed to people having equal resources to care, especially when it comes to helpless kids.

[MCM]

Since my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I have learned to never pay the first bill sent by Hospitals, Ambulance, or labs. It is funny (or maddening) but they seem to have this way of always becoming less on the second or third mailing. Especially after a couple of mildly angry phone calls. I don't recall it being like this 5 or more years ago, but I have definitily seen this in the past couple years with regards to my son's and my wife's medical needs. Give em hell first, pay later.

Correct, never pay the first bill. The hospital/dr/vendor will submit a bill to insurance company and they will pay part of it; they will re-code the services and re-submit the bill and they will pay more of it. You will probably be left with some kind of bill based on your co-pay etc., but it will be significantly less than the first bill they send.

I received many, many bills from my mom's last illness and hospital/hospice stay. I waited them out and called on a few, I ended up paying a very small portion of the initial bills. Insurance will pay the minimum until you question them and the vendor.

[steveo777]

nm, dumb assed post on my part.

[scarygirl]

And, No, I'm not taunting anyone with this post! I can't respond because my message box must be full or I'm blocked. Knock it off Phyl!

I have had full blown anxiety attacks, and yes, it feels like you are having a heart attack, or stroking out. Awe...

[Rip Rokken]

First of all, the E.R. is the most expensive place to go, thanks to all the non-paying folk who use it as their personal clinic. I used to work in one - you are paying for them - remember that.

Second, what the hell are you having anxiety about? They got you on the way out, too - take that fucking Xanax or Klonopin they pushed on you and flush it before you develop a habit and have to keep coming back.

Glad it was nothing serious, Steve. Hope you can get that bill reduced.

[AR]

First of all, the E.R. is the most expensive place to go, thanks to all the non-paying folk who use it as their personal clinic. .

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My wife used to run there for all kinds of bullshit until I introuduced her to Patient First.

[Rip Rokken]

First of all, the E.R. is the most expensive place to go, thanks to all the non-paying folk who use it as their personal clinic. .

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My wife used to run there for all kinds of bullshit until I introuduced her to Patient First.

Mine COMPLETELY faked an injury once and went to the E.R. (same place I used to work) just to try to score a bottle of painkillers. Even got a freaking cat scan while she was there because they couldn't find anything visibly wrong. I showed up and it was obvious she didn't want me there. Luckily, the E.R. doc listened to me and wouldn't prescribe her any narcotics. Her bill was close to $2,000, and she actually asked for my help in paying it. Nope... Took her over a year, but I made sure she paid every penny of it.

The E.R. is full of bullshit like this. I have tons of funny stories.

[steveo777]

First of all, the E.R. is the most expensive place to go, thanks to all the non-paying folk who use it as their personal clinic. I used to work in one - you are paying for them - remember that.

Second, what the hell are you having anxiety about? They got you on the way out, too - take that fucking Xanax or Klonopin they pushed on you and flush it before you develop a habit and have to keep coming back.

Glad it was nothing serious, Steve. Hope you can get that bill reduced.

I don't live much of my life in public forums, but if you really must know, two months ago I was shaving, getting ready for work and I found a note. My dear wife of 34 years said by the time I read it she would be far away. I went into a tail spin and basically got caught up in a suspenseful build up of WTF? Two more weeks went by and things just built up......still no showing of her. I guess I just snapped and I had had enough. Pressure was building by day and I finally got chest pains and went to ER. I thought I was gonna die that night.

[Rip Rokken]

Dang, Steve... very sorry to hear that. I don't know why, but I'd always pictured you as being my age or maybe a little younger. Hope things get better for you.

[steveo777]

Dang, Steve... very sorry to hear that. I don't know why, but I'd always pictured you as being my age or maybe a little younger. Hope things get better for you.

Hey, it's alright. It's better now. She came back a few days ago, but just letting you know what set it off.

[Ehwmatt]

Dang, Steve... very sorry to hear that. I don't know why, but I'd always pictured you as being my age or maybe a little younger. Hope things get better for you.

Hey, it's alright. It's better now. She came back a few days ago, but just letting you know what set it off.

Did you make sure the shackles were secure this time? lol

[steveo777]

Dang, Steve... very sorry to hear that. I don't know why, but I'd always pictured you as being my age or maybe a little younger. Hope things get better for you.

Hey, it's alright. It's better now. She came back a few days ago, but just letting you know what set it off.

Did you make sure the shackles were secure this time? lol

Nah, we're better. Just a combination of crap and being away from our kids and grandson for so long caused her to melt down and leave.

[ebake02]

There are two prices hospitals charge. One price is for insured and the other is for uninsured. Same with dentists, local health care facilities and so forth. If you don't believe me, go to one of these places, get treated and tell them you don't have insurance.

That's 100% true. My brother had some medical issues a few years ago when he didn't have insurance and he was billed by doctors he never saw and some of the ones he did see where only in there long enough to glance at his chart for a couple seconds.