Can hospitals charge whatever medical fee they like without stating prices even when requested?

Question

I received medical care in an emergency room for what turned out to be a sprained ankle and asked up front what the cost would be. They stated they weren't sure, but guessed that if it was a sprain and not a break it would be around $400 or less. So, I agreed to services and received a bill for over $800 from the hospital and one for over $200 from the emergency physicians supposidly for the three minutes of "care" I received from the doctor. I feel after reveiwing the itemized bill that I have been overcharged. I decided to sue them for the charges I feel are overly priced. I will have to defend my position in court being that I cannot afford a lawyer. I was wondering what I could use with regard to the law to state my case. Unfortunately, at the time of the accident, I was three days before the initiation of my company insurance, so I am paying for all of this myself. Any legal advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

There should be a list of standard charges for services. So, you should be able to ask for (and receive) a list of the standard charges for what you recieved. If the hospital refuses to do so, ask them why not. Unfortunately though, each case is "different" so even if you have a sprained ankle and someone else does too, you may need different care based on various factors. That is that argument the hospital will use, even though it is totally bogus.

Since you are now on your company insurance, try calling the insurance company to ask about standard service costs and whatnot -- just say you are preparing for the future or something. You may notice that insurance companies are charged one price while regular citizens are charged another. At that point, I would try talking to an attorney and suing the hospital for some sort of discrimination.

Answer 2

You are not alone. This issue is a real challenging one facing many people every day. I certainly empathize.

First, make sure you have clearly itemized bills from each health care provider (the hopsital and each doctor). Determine what exactly was "overcharged." Call the providers and state you simply cannot/will not pay the amount assessed.

You mentioned you sued "them." Who? For what? If you go to small claims court, you will be expected to show some evidence of overcharge and might get the fees reduced, but you will still be expected to pay something for medical services rendered. Consider asking for a payment plan that you can handle.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Honestly, I don't think you stand a chance.

But you're right though, hospital care IS overcharged, especially when they charge things like 5 bucks for a cotton swab and the like, but since you signed the forms you legally bound yourself to pay the charges they issued you, regardless the cost. What they told you it MIGHT have cost is irrelevant, they're not giving estimates.

I'd suggest at least getting a consult form a lawyer before you file a suit, because it might end up that you will pay more to the courts than you would if you just coughed up the money for the bill.

Best of luck to you though, I admire your tenacity to stick it to the institution.

Answer 4

State laws vary on things such as this, so the answers you receive will vary also depending upon where the answerer is from. In the United States we have several agencies and laws protecting consumers from just such practices. I would try searching the internet for one of these agencies or a list of laws in your state.

The problem is when you go to a hospital every division of the hospital (i.e. Radiology, Laboratory, ER Physician) wants to charge for there portion of the services separately. You would have had to ask various people what the charges were going to be for that portion of the treatment.

Your best bet is to take them to small claims court where you can avoid a battle with corporate attorneys. Just make sure you have every piece of evidence in tact. Such as dates times places and the name of the person who quoted you a price for the services. I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 5

Hospitals do have lists of charges for particular services, but they can't know for sure what services they're going to do for you when they're admitting you. Your only possible way of winning is to dispute that they performed any of the services on their bill. Otherwise, you don't have much recourse.

For further reference, don't go to an ER if it is not an emergency (aka, you may die). A sprain or even a break is something that can wait for a PCP or urgent care center.

Answer 6

they can't tell you before hand how much it will be because what looks like a sprain could be more. They charge for test and yes the doctors, even the gauze and rap they use on you. This is why we should have national health insurance. Anyway you probably won't win your case let me know if you do though

Answer 7

They can charge whatever the Hell they want to. Flippin' *******. My son had to get 5 stitches this spring. It cost nearly $2000. $1150 of it paid for 45 minutes of the doctor's time.

Answer 8

Where I come from hospitals don't charge you a penny for services like that neither do doctors

Answer 9

yup, they can charge whatever they want. the hospital bill you, not the doctor. the doctor just work there. instead of going to the hospital, go to a private practice. they will tell you what they charge

Answer 10

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RE :Can hospitals charge whatever medical fee they like without stating prices even when requested?
I received medical care in an emergency room for what turned out to be a sprained ankle and asked up front what the cost would be. They stated they weren't sure, but guessed that if it was a sprain and not a break it would be around $400 or less. So, I agreed to services and received a bill for over $800 from the hospital and one for over $200 from the emergency physicians supposidly for the three minutes of "care" I received from the doctor. I feel after reveiwing the itemized bill that I have been overcharged. I decided to sue them for the charges I feel are overly priced. I will have to defend my position in court being that I cannot afford a lawyer. I was wondering what I could use with regard to the law to state my case. Unfortunately, at the time of the accident, I was three days before the initiation of my company insurance, so I am paying for all of this myself. Any legal advice would be appreciated.
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