medical bills for the uninsured visitor

[maltynova]

OH

I have a 9year old niece that is visiting me from Russia for ths summer. She does not have any medical insurance.She got bad ear infection and was taking to Children's Hospital for treatment (I wasn' t home that day- her grandmother called emergency).
She was told that the had to stay there on antiobiotics and possible surgery.When I came back I notified them that she didn't have insurance.They convinced me that they "take care of any child" regardless of being insured. I asked if they could postpone the surgery, so I could send her back to Russia to have surgery. They recommended surgery right away convincing me that Hospital will help. The doctor said that they have a boy from Haitui in the similar situationa and he was treated without insurance and the Hospital took care of it.

I also talked to the social worker there but she knew only Medicaid program. Since my niece is not an OH resident she is not eligible. Anyway I am getting bills right now - the bill just for 10min anestesia is $500. I was hoping that they would at least make bills reasonable. Looks like they do not.
Is there any way to make Hospital to keep doctor's promise and at least reduce the bills?
Thank you.

[seniorjudge]

Q: Is there any way to make Hospital to keep doctor's promise and at least reduce the bills?


A: There may be. But you need to be at the hospital, talking to them, not posting on this board.

[maltynova]

Who should I talk to? To the docotrs, to the financila department or who?
As I said I talked to the social worker- that was useless.

[SHORTY LONG]

As the honorable SeniorJudge suggested to you, in that, go to the Hospital
personally and talk with whomever can help.

Yes, there billing/financial department is a good place to at least start;
and maybe the Doctor's administrative assistant too.