State of West Virginia.
Hi,
Not sure if this is the correct sub-forum or not, but about 4 weeks ago I had been ill for about a week and a half, getting progressively worse. I was having trouble breathing, coughing, flu-like symptoms and fever. I do not have medical insurance and I had not visited a doctor in years. However, due to the trouble breathing issue being extremely severe, I realized I had no alternative but to seek medical treatment, I drove myself to the emergency room at Berkley County Medical Center. I explained to them I was having trouble breathing, I was asked to sign a consent to treatment, which I signed.
I was examined by a nurse and/or CNA, and I interacted with a doctor for a grand total of about 5 minutes. My entire emergency room visit probably lasted about 35 minutes total. During that time, I had my lungs listened to by a stethoscope, I was given 100mg of Prednisone, a Zithromax pill and an Albuterol nebulizer treatment. I was also given a prescription for Zithromax (antibiotic) 5 days worth of prednisone for a "steroid burst" and diagnosed with Bronchitis and pleurisy. After the initial conversation with a doctor, I was informed that I would be discharged as a side note, the doctor never did come back to check to see if I was breathing correctly or not, I was discharged. Honestly, I did not feel that my breathing was stable enough to be sent out the door so quickly, however I left without protest.
I'm conflicted in regards to the billing, because I honestly was afraid I was going to die that night, so I am relieved I received treatment. Last week I received a bill from the hospital for 286 dollars and some change. I figured, "hey thats not as bad as I thought it would be!", but the bill said, I may qualify for a discount if I call. So I did, they told me if I pay in 30 days, that bill gets cut in half. I'm thinking awesome! Paid it.. Today, received another medical bill for this same emergency room visit for 618 dollars! I called the number on this bill and was told that the billing was separate that the hospital assesses a fee and so does the doctor who treated me. I told the lady I spoke with that there was no way I was going to pay this much money, number one, I cannot afford it number 2, thats absolutely insane for the amount of "work" the doctor had to perform.
I'm 29 years old, I have a nice rental home, I'm single, no children, work to support myself, I pay a student loan, I live on a fixed income. I applied for a medical card through the state of WV and was told my income was too high, nor can I afford the insurance offered by my employer what with my other bills. I'm in a limbo and uninsured.
My question (I guess a question), is such an excessive fee legal? Since I'm generally a healthy person, this is not something I've had to deal with, I don't even know where to begin looking for a way to reduce this charge, dispute it legitimacy, etc. The lady I spoke with on the phone pretty much told me its not negotiable, pay it or take a hit on my credit. I had found on google class action suits for emergency room overcharges against uninsured people, I'm not looking to sue anybody, like I said, I have a feeling of gratitude for this doctor rendering me able to breathe, but is that really worth that much money? Any help/suggestions/guidance on steps to take would be appreciated.
Thanks for reading.
Hi,
Not sure if this is the correct sub-forum or not, but about 4 weeks ago I had been ill for about a week and a half, getting progressively worse. I was having trouble breathing, coughing, flu-like symptoms and fever. I do not have medical insurance and I had not visited a doctor in years. However, due to the trouble breathing issue being extremely severe, I realized I had no alternative but to seek medical treatment, I drove myself to the emergency room at Berkley County Medical Center. I explained to them I was having trouble breathing, I was asked to sign a consent to treatment, which I signed.
I was examined by a nurse and/or CNA, and I interacted with a doctor for a grand total of about 5 minutes. My entire emergency room visit probably lasted about 35 minutes total. During that time, I had my lungs listened to by a stethoscope, I was given 100mg of Prednisone, a Zithromax pill and an Albuterol nebulizer treatment. I was also given a prescription for Zithromax (antibiotic) 5 days worth of prednisone for a "steroid burst" and diagnosed with Bronchitis and pleurisy. After the initial conversation with a doctor, I was informed that I would be discharged as a side note, the doctor never did come back to check to see if I was breathing correctly or not, I was discharged. Honestly, I did not feel that my breathing was stable enough to be sent out the door so quickly, however I left without protest.
I'm conflicted in regards to the billing, because I honestly was afraid I was going to die that night, so I am relieved I received treatment. Last week I received a bill from the hospital for 286 dollars and some change. I figured, "hey thats not as bad as I thought it would be!", but the bill said, I may qualify for a discount if I call. So I did, they told me if I pay in 30 days, that bill gets cut in half. I'm thinking awesome! Paid it.. Today, received another medical bill for this same emergency room visit for 618 dollars! I called the number on this bill and was told that the billing was separate that the hospital assesses a fee and so does the doctor who treated me. I told the lady I spoke with that there was no way I was going to pay this much money, number one, I cannot afford it number 2, thats absolutely insane for the amount of "work" the doctor had to perform.
I'm 29 years old, I have a nice rental home, I'm single, no children, work to support myself, I pay a student loan, I live on a fixed income. I applied for a medical card through the state of WV and was told my income was too high, nor can I afford the insurance offered by my employer what with my other bills. I'm in a limbo and uninsured.
My question (I guess a question), is such an excessive fee legal? Since I'm generally a healthy person, this is not something I've had to deal with, I don't even know where to begin looking for a way to reduce this charge, dispute it legitimacy, etc. The lady I spoke with on the phone pretty much told me its not negotiable, pay it or take a hit on my credit. I had found on google class action suits for emergency room overcharges against uninsured people, I'm not looking to sue anybody, like I said, I have a feeling of gratitude for this doctor rendering me able to breathe, but is that really worth that much money? Any help/suggestions/guidance on steps to take would be appreciated.
Thanks for reading.