I just got my ER bill after my bout with pneumonia! [View All]

Anyone want to guess how much? The closest one gets .... well, nothing, because everything I have must be now given to the ER Gods.

Here is the background: I just relocated to NC, started a job and my new insurance has not yet kicked in (did not want to shell out over $700 a month for COBRA either). I began having severe coughing and then, all of the sudden, high fever and chills. Despite feeling like total crap, I still managed to get to work, except for one day when I could not get out of bed.

After the fourth day, nothing in my condition changed. I still had a very high fever, etc. So, begrudgingly, my husband and I decided it was time to go to the ER (it was a Sunday night; all other places were closed).

Here's what I got:

-chest x-ray
-sputum culture
-breathing treatment
-a few minutes with a respiratory therapist (no more than 5 minutes)
-a few minutes with the PA (didn't see an MD)
-a few minutes with the nurse
-blood pressure and O2 check

All in all, it took about 7 hours (mostly, waiting).

So, who feels lucky to venture a guess?