I was recently admitted into the Oupatient ER at a hospital for some pain I was having. I wasn't sure if it was serious or not since It was not the same pain that I have with my recurring ovarian cysts. I know absolutely nothing about appendicitis or anything and the pain was on my right side (where my appendix is), so it scared me. My insurance recently changed and since I had not found a doctor yet, so i had to go to the nearest hospital. After dicussing what the pain could possibly be, the docotr decided it was just another ruptured cyst and not appendicitis, and they only told me I would be receiving a "routine pelvic exam" . When I got the statement, there were numerous charges over $1,000 for tests they performed that they did not tell me they were going to do!! What can I do to contest these outrageous charges?!?!? Please help!
2007-02-13 17:59:13 · 4 answers · asked by yikes! 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
This is the type of thing that unfortunately happens when you are sick, distracted, and as a result you aren't very assertive and outspoken in your care. It's kind of like taking your car to the mechanic - you have to say "I want an an itemized statement BEFORE you fix anything and incurr any charges." So now you have to be extremely assertive and vocal, and the best way to do this is by using your insurance company and your hospital billing coordinator. Find out who the dept manager is for the claims dept of your ins. company. Get the name and the direct phone line. Then find out who the head of the hosp. billing dept is - again, name and direct ph. line. Do you have 3 way calling, or can you get access to a phone that has 3 way calling? You need this to get both on the line. Call ins. first, then tell them you need them to hold one second. Flash over. Get the hosp. billing person on the line, flash back over, and introduce them. Tell them what you described above. If you can't afford the bill, also tell them you have a fixed budget, and ask them what solutions they can propose. The blame game ends real quick when you do this, because one can't say "Well, you'll have to talk w/your ins. co" or "That's up to the hospital". The hosp wants paid, too. Whatever you hear them agree to, repeat it, and write down everything - date, time, names, etc. Also, ask for it in writing.
Another question: Is this hospital affiliated with any type of religion? Like a Catholic, or Baptist hospital, etc.? They often will help you thru the "Catholic Charities Fund" or the "Baptist Ministries", so maybe that will help. Good luck.
2007-02-13 18:25:05 · answer #1 · answered by Deedee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you sign a consent giving them permission to treat you? you are also responsible for all test and cost.
Did they take blood? If you knew what the test names were for,maybe you would know.
You were under pressure,or maybe after they gave you pain medicine did you sign the paper then? Most hospitals do not work that way.
Go to the business office and sit down with a rep and go over every single charge. They do make mistakes...If you didn't have something shoved down your throat,you would no it...Tell them you will not pay for a test you didn't rec..
Look them up on line 1st so you will have some idea what they are...
2007-02-13 18:09:00 · answer #2 · answered by Lucky 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Glad, I don't live in America. Ouch!
2007-02-13 18:26:59 · answer #3 · answered by Steamysteam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think thats very reasonable..Where do you think you are Canada?
2007-02-13 18:06:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋