when i go on a call sometimes people ask how much it is and if their insurance will pay for it. sometimes they even say that they arent going to pay it and actually get mad at us like we set how much the bills are. we are there to help not argue about bills. i could care less if they paid or not. whats your take?
2007-09-19 11:13:57 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Unfortunate for you to have to deal with this, but since healthcare in general is so expensive I think most people *have* to think about it. Some people would rather not have emergent care than have a bill they can't possibly pay.
2007-09-19 11:20:21 · answer #1 · answered by Suburban Mom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I would not be rude to the people who are potentially saving my life or the life of someone I care about. You guys do a hard job without a lot of credit or recognition for your work. I've been in two different situations where paramedics had to take care of me and they were nothing but nice, respectful, professional, and caring. I don't think people realize how expensive paramedic bills are...I know I didn't, until the first time I was taken in an ambulance to the hospital and saw the bill for it later on. But it's not in the paramedics control as to how much the bill is...money is your last concern when you're working in an emergency.
I think it's like what other people on here have said in response to your question...the people you are dealing with are in a heightened emotional state and they are needing to vent their feelings and unfortunately paramedics can become the target of that kind of behavior. That being said, I don't think that excuses rudeness. You are doing them a service. Besides, if it's a life or death situation, they are going to want paramedics there to help, regardless of the cost.
2007-09-19 19:08:43 · answer #2 · answered by Angelia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps the system needs an overhaul, that will help with those bill questions.
Here in Australia, every household has to pay an ambulance levy, which is added onto the electricity bill, that way there's no arguments about anything.
I had to call an ambulance a few months ago, and although I was in severe pain, the ambulance men were so nice and caring and despite the haze of the painkillers, I managed to thank them for their kindness and professionalism when we arrived at the hospital.
Paramedics do a wonderful job and should be valued more by society.
2007-09-19 21:25:45 · answer #3 · answered by Shivers 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds as though you've had some frustrating experiences with some of your clients. My take would be to approach it like this...
First off...take into account that these people are probably in an agitated emotional state...and fear causes a lot of people to treat others differently than they would in any other circumstance. Just acknowledging that to yourself might help you feel less irritated by their comments.
Secondly, I always believe that the more prepared and proactive a person can be with a response...the more quickly they'll be able to nip the confrontation in the bud. For example, you might rehearse your pat responses for the ten most irritating questions you get asked. Then, when the situation comes up...just access one of your prepared responses and deliver it with a calm, cool tone.
The most important thing here is to remember that this is not about you. It's about them feeling out of control and frightened. If you can approach them from that standpoint, you may be able to cut though their rudeness with a butter knife.
Good Luck!
2007-09-19 18:37:50 · answer #4 · answered by Kimberly 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The same reason these same idiot people are probably the ones who impede paramedics from doing their job by not letting them near the sick or injured - the same idiots who refuse to get out of the way when they hear or see an ambulance coming down the street.
Because people are ignorant pigs with no thought about anything other than themselves.
2007-09-19 18:49:12 · answer #5 · answered by allusian_fields 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you go out on a call people are in crisis -- medically and financially. They don't see the billing department. You are the face of the ambulance service. You just need to tell them that your concerns are for the patient. Tell them they can make payment arrangements when the bill comes.
2007-09-19 18:22:03 · answer #6 · answered by mediahoney 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's hard for me to believe that people don't know what their health insurance covers and even harder that they are jeopardizing their loved ones condition by burdening you with those questions. I wouldn't try to get involved too much as I'm sure you don't. Continue to deflect their questions by telling them to call their insurance company and leave you to your job. In all honesty, they don't really want to know what an ambulance run costs!!
2007-09-19 20:31:12 · answer #7 · answered by dawnb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not that their mad at YOU personally. Sometimes people just can't afford bills and are on really stressed terms. They may also being freaking out that their relative, friends, etc is hurt or something. don't take it personally
2007-09-19 18:20:29 · answer #8 · answered by lostgurl1187 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my sister is training to be a paramedic and she hasnt had to deal with that yet but that would suck i think people should be nicer i mean if they are in that much trouble that they need an ambulance they should worry about money later and first think of their life
2007-09-19 18:22:23 · answer #9 · answered by Mickey-C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Darn shame you aren't allowed to drop them at the side of the road. HUMANS, grrrrr.
2007-09-19 18:25:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋