About a month ago, my husband went to the E.R. because while he was at work (he's a mechanic), a tiny piece of metal went into his eye. Unfortunately we don't have health insurance, so we knew we were gonna get a bill in the mail. Well, while he was at the hospital, they took a look at his eye, put a little solution in it, and told him that they didn't have the proper tools to remove the metal so they set him up an appointment at another hospital with a doctor who could remove the metal for the next morning. The next day he went, they removed the metal, and he paid right then (a little over $200). Well, we received a bill in from the FIRST hospital because he did go to the ER and it was for $571!! Then another bill from that same FIRST hospital for $435! When I called they said one bill was hospital fees, the other was doctor fees. This seems outrageous because they didn't even do anything for him! I can understand a fee, but this high?? What do you think?
2007-02-08 14:31:02 · 19 answers · asked by Mommy of 2 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Unfortunately he is self-employed so the workers comp isn't an option, and on a second note, it isn't that we aren't willing to pay anything, I just think it is a bit high considering the first hospital didn't do anything besides refer him to another hospital. Yes, we don't mind paying, but $1,000...while the second hospital actually removed the metal and the bill was only $200...seems unfair.
2007-02-08 15:01:41 · update #1
i can understand a fee for looking at his eye but not being able to help and referring him to another doc does not seem fair to charge such a high amount. and if at work why doesn't his work place pay for this ? and about 1,000 compared to 2oo. something is wrong here.
2007-02-08 14:39:03 · answer #1 · answered by cindy l 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he was hitting metal with a carpenter's hammer, tell him never to do that again. A MECHANICS hammer is DIFFERENT.
If he is self-employed I guess there might be no Workers Compensation.
If, however, he is employed by someone else, there IS HELP available through your State from Workers Compensation. You must file a claim with your State and send the bills. Most employers have a claim form or can fill one out. Accidents at most workplaces also involve an 'Incident Report.' Better late than never, witnesses helpful.
You can Google your State Name + Workers Compensation for more information.
No, it is not fair to get that big bill from first E.R. But it is probably legal and that is how things work in the unethical mess we have organized for ourselves through our outstanding democratic methods of corrupt political parties.
If they truly did nothing for him at the first E.R., at least the doctor's bill sounds contestable.....did they call in an Opthalmologist? Ask the doctor to itemize his bill, then forward it with a letter of complaint to the State and County Medical Boards. Ask a State Representative how and where to complain, call your local TV station and see if they are interested.
Go from there, something you can work on, if you have the facts right. Will take some work and time. Better for you than the bread earner.
Next time, TRY to go directly to the Doctor who is expert, if at all possible, avoiding the E.R. There's a $200--400 cover charge depending on where you live, just for walking in.
Goggles or Face Shield also help when hammering.
I got a metal chip in the lip once that took forever to work its way out. Could have been my eye.
Face shield is BEST, plus the hammer tip.
BTW, it will happen again if you ignore safety rules.
2007-02-08 15:01:28 · answer #2 · answered by Ursus Particularies 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worker's comp should pay for all of it.
Did he notify his boss about the injury? Even if he didn't, as long as he notifies him that it happened on the job, they should pay the medical bills and you should be reimbursed for your out of pocket expense.
But yes, if you are seen in the ER you will get a bill whether they treat him completely or not. They diagnosed his problem, referred him to a facility that could take care of the problem. Would be the same as if you went to a doctor's office, had a broken bone, the doctor sent you to a specialist after putting a temporary cast on and the specialist put a permanent cast on. He was treated and sent on. There would be a bill for that. Anytime you go to the ER, you can expect at least 200.00. You're paying for a doctor at your disposal 24 hrs a day, and a trauma team.
2007-02-08 14:42:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That seems very high. Almost double what most people pay for either one. Did you get an itemized list? You should have gotten a list of what each procedure costs. I'm not saying that it will make you feel any better about the price but. At least you'll know what costs what. I say again that seems very high. I only paid about $245 for an ER visit and $265 for the doctor fees. I know rates differ from state to state but damn! Look at your bill and find out if they charged you for something they never provided.
2007-02-08 14:47:38 · answer #4 · answered by quel772o 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would first like the other say, see if it is under workmans comp, if he is not self employed.
Other than that, that is the price of medical services, but there are other things you can do.
One, if you can pay cash right there, they may reduce the bill to about half, basically letting you pay what the insurance would pay if you had it. Other than that if you can't afford it, set up a payment plan.
In the future if there is a problem like that, try to see a dr, or go to a trama center, they are usually cheaper.
2007-02-08 14:39:44 · answer #5 · answered by joulesofaffection 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very unfair, on another note though, if your husband was at work you need to have his place of employment pay for this. Workman's Compensation!! His job IS responsible for any medical care he received and also for wages for any time off!
2007-02-08 14:37:11 · answer #6 · answered by Gardener for God(dmd) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course it is not fair, but thats how emergency rooms work, they not only charge for hospital fees but also what the doctors charge, they even charge you extra if you use their toilet paper!!! but if the accident happened at work, the employers should take care of the bills....
2007-02-08 14:35:41 · answer #7 · answered by Stella d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he was at work than they should pay. They are responsible for any accidents that employees receive at work. Its the law. Too bad that so many mechanics are willing to work at jobs where they fear for they're jobs over a eye injury.
2007-02-08 14:43:47 · answer #8 · answered by V-Man the Tinknocker 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
ER bills are always high. that's just the way it goes. on the plus side, medical bills do not count badly against your credit because medical treatment is considered a necessity of life.
2007-02-08 14:36:09 · answer #9 · answered by redpeach_mi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hospitals are ridiculous. They probably made him put on a gown and put him in a little room...you pay for the gown, the sheets on the bed, the tissue boxes, EVERYTHING. It's usually best not to even bother.
2007-02-08 14:36:32 · answer #10 · answered by Heather 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋