Emergency Room Bill - Never Seen

[Wildbird55]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MA
On 6/8/09 I was directed to the Emergency Room by my Primary Care Physician's office because I could not be seen. I was triaged at the ER in less than 5 minutes and waited over 4 hours without being seen. I was sent a bill for $150. I called the billing administrator the evening I received the bill and left her a message that I was not seen and would not pay the bill. 3-4 weeks later I received a bill for $75. I submitted a complaint to the Attorney General's office and have not heard anything further until yesterday when I received a bill for $27.10 from the hospital after my insurance paid $47.90. I intend to contact the AG's office tomorrow. Am I responsible for this bill? It works out to $900/hour for having my bp and temp taken. Thoughts on how to handle?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[JETX]

Am I responsible for this bill?

Based on your post, yes. Your emergency room billing pays for far more than the actual services you might have received. If nothing else, you 'rented' space in their facility for four plus hours!

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MA
On 6/8/09 I was directed to the Emergency Room by my Primary Care Physician's office because I could not be seen. I was triaged at the ER in less than 5 minutes and waited over 4 hours without being seen. I was sent a bill for $150. I called the billing administrator the evening I received the bill and left her a message that I was not seen and would not pay the bill. 3-4 weeks later I received a bill for $75. I submitted a complaint to the Attorney General's office and have not heard anything further until yesterday when I received a bill for $27.10 from the hospital after my insurance paid $47.90. I intend to contact the AG's office tomorrow. Am I responsible for this bill? It works out to $900/hour for having my bp and temp taken. Thoughts on how to handle?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

Why did you lie about receiving the bill?

 

[Proserpina]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MA
On 6/8/09 I was directed to the Emergency Room by my Primary Care Physician's office because I could not be seen. I was triaged at the ER in less than 5 minutes and waited over 4 hours without being seen. I was sent a bill for $150. I called the billing administrator the evening I received the bill and left her a message that I was not seen and would not pay the bill. 3-4 weeks later I received a bill for $75. I submitted a complaint to the Attorney General's office and have not heard anything further until yesterday when I received a bill for $27.10 from the hospital after my insurance paid $47.90. I intend to contact the AG's office tomorrow. Am I responsible for this bill? It works out to $900/hour for having my bp and temp taken. Thoughts on how to handle?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

But you were seen - or do you think triage should be free?

 

[Proserpina]

Why did you lie about receiving the bill?

Zig, I think OP is complaining about not being seen by a physician after triage - not saying s/he didn't receive the bill...

 

[Zigner]

Zig, I think OP is complaining about not being seen by a physician after triage - not saying s/he didn't receive the bill...

Of course - sometimes when you get it stuck in your head one way, it stays there...doh!

 

[Proserpina]

Of course - sometimes when you get it stuck in your head one way, it stays there...doh!

That's very true. And you are obviously as wise as Pooh to recognize such

(don't mind me - Pooh is one of my favourite philosophers!)

 

[ecmst12]

Just because you left before it was your turn does not mean you don't have to pay for the time you were there.

 

[lealea1005]

It works out to $900/hour for having my bp and temp taken.

You received a service in an urgent/emergent care setting during or after being triaged. If you left without being seen (against medical advice?), you're lucky your insurance paid anything at all. You owe the balance.

 

[swalsh411]

My thoughts on how you should handle this would be to pay the bill for $27.10. I don't think you have any idea of the costs for ER care.

 

[ecmst12]

And next time if you're not having a true medical emergency, you won't go to the ER in the first place.