I made a deal?

Question

I went to the hospital about a year ago with a heart attack and the doc prescribed me medication for high blood pressure and plavix. I had to return to the hospital a few months later with a kidney stone, The bill was very high and my insuarance paid it all except 1,100.00. I did not have the money to pay the rest of the bill and it came to the point the hospital was wanting thier money in a bad way and was calling every day. I wanted to pay so I made a deal with the lady that called to cut my prescriptions in order to pay it out monthly, now my doctor wants me to set another appointment so he can check me out and I cant tell him what I did because I know he will be mad. I have to pay the money or get turned over to a collection agency and they are worse than the hospital about dunning you for money. Should I tell the doctor or go on with may plan?

Answer 1

My son has had numerous surgerys, doctor visits etc for a very serious kidney disorder. If you contact the hospital, there's usually a department that deals with hardship cases. In our case, my son actually gets "free care".

Answer 2

Not sure if I understand, but you should not be risking your life/ treatment because of financial reason...there are so many things you can do!!!! In fact, get the book "Healthcare for Less" by Michelle Katz at you local Barnes and Noble for $15 or order it for about $10 on www.amazon.com...she goes into all the government programs that you may be eligible for...and save all your receipts...you may be eligible for Medicaid, or you might be able to write of some of the Medical costs off. Use your doctor as your advocate, explain to him your situation. He may be able to call up the hospital ans ask for them to write part of the bill or maybe all of it off!!!!!! I have seen this done and it is explained in the book! Talk to a social worker in the hospital that can help you with a payment plan, look into patient assistance programs with the pharmaceutical companies...offer to pay half of that amount in cash...the doctor should accept because if he files a judgment against you, he is going to have to pay that attorney 50% anyway....so if you offer him 50% in cash, you will remain in good standing with the doctor!!!!! I can go on and on about the tips even I learned in "Healthcare for Less".....these are just a few of them.

Answer 3

Any time you have a medical bill like this don't ignore it. You don't even have to talk to these people. All you have to do is send them one dollar or five dollars, whatever amount you can afford to send. Send this amount every single month at the same time. If they accept the first payment, then they have agreed to this payment arrangement and as long as you continue making those monthly payments, regardless of the amount, they won't bother you anymore. They just want to see that you're making some type of effort to pay them back. Since you have already made your arrangement now, you're stuck. But I would definately talk to your doctor and let him know whats going on. Lots of times they have samples they can give you so you won't be out of pocket on your meds. Use this info for any future bills you get.

Answer 4

Tell the doctor. Never stop taking your medications for any reason without talking to him---EVER. You can work out a REAL payment plan with the hospital. YOU made the plan, not the hospital. They would never tell you that because of your debt that you have to stop your prescriptions-only you could have made that decision. You have to get back on them or you will have another heart attack, a stroke and quite possibly, not survive.

Answer 5

no matter what, you should always be honest with your physician...what he doesn't know can hurt you. And in telling your physician what you have done, perhaps that would make him more aware of your plight and will maybe work with you in regards to your financial situation and what you are able to pay. And too, I also must wonder if you worked out a plan with your hospital's finance dept. Often, as long as you make an effort to pay some amount every month you will not be sent to collections. Hospital's write off a certain amount every year for 'charity' cases.

Answer 6

First off, your doctor is human. He may be mad, but he may also be able to help you. Most drug companies have indigent drug programs. They will provide your meds at a reduced cost or sometimes free. Secondly, call back the hospital and see if they have a similar program. I know my local hospital has a program where if you can prove you cannot pay, they eat the bill. (I live in an upscale suburb of Chicago) Good luck and please don't stop taking your meds, you are shortening your life because of it.

Answer 7

That lady should be ashamed of herself. Tell your doctor, he needs to know so he can figure out if any damage has been done to your recovery as a result of this. If your doc yells, just remember it is like a parent yelling. He has a level of responsibility as a practicing physician to make sure you know what to do and what not to do in regards to your health.
What that woman on the phone did, was basically tell you that your life is less important than her money. I hope there is a special place in hell for people like that.
Tell your doc. Please. And, if possible, work out a deal with the hospital that doesn't involve you having to jeopardize your health.

Answer 8

How old are you?

A.. with heart conditions you need to follow doctors orders, if you have the money you need to pay for services.. However, if you are truly destitute medical care cannot be withheld.

Doctors have an ethical obligation to write off debts but they cannot refuse you treatment, nor can the ER.

Make arrangement to make payments even if it's $10/month they can't bother you anymore.

Answer 9

Why would you stop taking your meds over this? What is more important your life or a few bucks? You could have just set up a payment plan with the hospital. I would talk to a manager and have that woman fired.

Answer 10

I would say tell the doctor. Sometimes they know ways aroudn the situtation where you dont need the prescription of a place where you can get it cheaper so you can still keep paying your other bills. He also might refer you to some medical payment help.