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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsI took my granddaughter to the doctor.....$4,184 bill - ear infection
A few weeks ago, I took my 18 mo granddaughter to the doctor. Her mom couldn't be there. I got a letter from her mom allowing me to act on her behalf.
The doctor said she needed to do some labs, so she sent us to the hospital next door. I didn't like the idea, but neither did my daughter in law. But I went along with it because I didn't want to appear like I was going Against Medical Advice. (I'm not the mom, but her surrogate)
They catheterized her to check for a UTI. They drew some blood and performed a nasal swab. They told me it would be $314.
This weekend, I got a bill addressed to me for $4,000....$3,596 for Bacteriology/Microbiology.
I am so mad......
VMA131Marine
(4,159 posts)Hospitals should be required to tell you up front and in writing how much things like lab tests will cost. It's not like they don't know. I hope at least some was covered by insurance.
LeftInTX
(25,812 posts)They said that is what it cost.
Then I get this whopper bill.
csziggy
(34,140 posts)Whose rates are probably inflated unless an insurance company is paying for it. Those who pay out of pocket get to pay an unnegotiated price.
elleng
(131,414 posts)Hope she's OK.
LeftInTX
(25,812 posts)My granddaughter is fine.
It was a simple ear infection.
elleng
(131,414 posts)Does anyone understand why they put her through so many tests? My daughter got ear infections whenever she got a cold, ahd the process was simple.
LeftInTX
(25,812 posts)Still it doesn't make sense that they did the test and that it cost so much.
This is more than an MRI or CAT Scan.
hlthe2b
(102,562 posts)of those seeing you that you 1. must pre-approve every test and procedure; and 2. you must pre-approve every charge. You should have a form pre-printed to take with you if you need something to refer to. While I think most veterinarians are quite amenable to this and you could probably just verbally ask for them to do so, I'd not trust the human health care system, especially an ER or "doc in the box" clinic.
Seriously... you pull out that form and require THEM to initial/sign, they WILL drop the patronizing/condescending/exploitative attitude towards you.
Sadly, this is necessary in our "best in the world" health care system. (NOT)
RKP5637
(67,112 posts)one pill ONE pill with insurance. They said the ins company would not cover that kind of medication. WTF. This country is so fucked up it's beyond belief.
Response to RKP5637 (Reply #8)
MissB This message was self-deleted by its author.
democratisphere
(17,235 posts)The Docsters are no better than the Banksters!
MarcA
(2,195 posts)they pay for it. You have to pay for their full medical coverage,
so they should pay for yours. Send copies to local media. If the
many thousands (millions?) who are in a similar situation did this
(rather than begging GoFundMe) a movement could be started.
LeftInTX
(25,812 posts)Also JCAH...(The agency that accredits hospitals)
MarcA
(2,195 posts)This is just one idea to bring it to the public's attention. I don't
know what med benefits your state reps receive but letting them
hear it is good too. If only more would take such actions.
LeftInTX
(25,812 posts)There is no administrator on site. All billing is done 300 miles away...No physical address for the billing, just a PO Box.
They really make this difficult.
MarcA
(2,195 posts)Is there a state agency where you can get more info? Would
suggest contacting an attorney but they can cost $$$. Please
keep DU informed on this, as its a good way to communicate
effective info to a wider audience.
LeftInTX
(25,812 posts)I have to get my daughter in law involved anyway.
They won't give me CPT codes cuz I'm not the guardian, despite the fact that I'm the "responsible party" for the bill.
I went to the facility today just to get the CPT codes to determine the customary and usual billing amounts....
If I have an address, I can file a case in small claims court. I'm pretty sure my state rep can determine their address.
Demovictory9
(32,498 posts)raven mad
(4,940 posts)and got a bill, over and above insurance, for $23,491.00.............
area51
(11,944 posts)LeftInTX
(25,812 posts)Actually he is a former congressman, who is running for State Senate. He's gonna post the bill on twitter and tag the facility!!!!!