I recently went to a new family doctor. On my third visit I was having bad tremors of my entire body and high blood pressure. I became really dizzy and faint during the visit. I told her at one point my psychiatrist had put me on (Seroquel) a week before. She freaked, ranted about how stupid the other doctor was, insisted that I was in the midst of a bad reaction to the Seroquel, and called 911 to get me to a hospital. While waiting for EMS, I began to feel better, and told her I was okay. But when the EMS folks came, she practically forced me down on the stretcher, and said it was serious. I continued to improve during the ride to the hospital, and more once I got there. Once I saw the ER doc, I told him I thought the Seroquel was NOT the cause, as I'd been taking it for a week. He agreed with my conclusion I'd had a bad panic attack (everyone involved knew my history of them). I walked out with no treatment, but huge bills for the ER & ambulance. I was pissed. Do I have any recourse?
2006-12-29 04:36:04 · 5 answers · asked by joe friday's grrl 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
When the service I work for used to bill people (before our state levy was introduced that gives free cover), we used to get this sort of complaint a lot.
The bills *never* got waived.
The doctors (and paramedics) were meeting their 'duty of care' obligations and had they not done so could have been sued. They are not going to get sued for meeting these obligations.
You self-presented to the family doctor, and then consented to the ambulance ride and the ER assessment - maybe not actually verbally, but you did give 'implied consent' by going and so are liable for the bills. Generally, assessment and advice are considered to be levels of treatment - even if no drugs are administered. Just because it was eventually decided that you were just having a panic attack makes no difference.
The family doctor simply made a provisional diagnosis and then referred you to an ER doctor who made a definitive diagnosis. The two do not have match. This happens millions of times every day.
I guess you may not like my answer, but no I believe you have no recourse whatsoever.
2006-12-29 12:19:47 · answer #1 · answered by scedex 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No no, don't be stupid, there isn't any can charge for an ambulance call-out. issues like which could not be helped. If it somewhat is a hoax and you waste their time it somewhat is a different tale. desire you're ok :)
2016-10-19 03:35:13 · answer #2 · answered by mcfee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had one of those one time, they suck. I sympathize for you. As far as the malpractice suit. I think you are wasting your time you are going to spend more money on layers than the ambulance ride to the hospital. In addition you agreed to go for the ride. I now that doesn't seem right but....
2006-12-29 04:47:00 · answer #3 · answered by Moondog55 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your family doctor was doing the right thing. What if you had not continued to improve and had died. Then she would have been sued for not doing what she did. I think you should be thankful you have a doctor that caring.
2006-12-29 04:51:43 · answer #4 · answered by mnwomen 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would report it to the insurance company if you have one, then the attorney's general office, the medical board and be sure to write a statement on all three of your credit bureaus in case it goes that far.
2006-12-29 04:40:10 · answer #5 · answered by Marcella D 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋