Being from out of state and faced with what appeared to be a potentially dangerous medical issue we did what any prudent couple might do - went to the nearest emergency room. This happened to be the one at the Mayo Clinic Campus outside of Scottsdale, AZ. I was experiencing a sudden onset of severe dizziness and finding it difficult to keep my balance. My husband drove me to the ER and I spent several hours there undergoing various tests. Those that came back during my stay there were negative and I asked to be released, stating that I could follow up with a doctor in the area. I was told by ER personnel that further tests were needed because of my condition and that it might be dangerous for me to leave without having all results back. I was cautioned about the possibility of stroke and heart issues. Ultimately I was convinced by ER personnel to allow myself to be admitted overnight.
My husband had left long before I was admitted and I was quite mentally distraught. At no time was I told that Mayo did not accept Medicare or Blue Cross Blue Shield. Nowhere were there signs indicating this. At no time was my husband informed that such was the case. I have been hospitalized in the past while in other states and insurance has never been a problem. Never did it occur to my husband or me to question whether a major medical institution like the Mayo Clinic would or would not accept Medicare or Blue Cross Blue Shield. If that fact is stated in admitting papers that patients are asked to sign, that ought to be pointed out to them verbally at the time of admission, as many patients are not in a state of mind at that time to be able to read and comprehend what is stated in those forms. I certainly would have refused admission had I been told that I would be responsible for payment. Do we have any recourse?
My husband had left long before I was admitted and I was quite mentally distraught. At no time was I told that Mayo did not accept Medicare or Blue Cross Blue Shield. Nowhere were there signs indicating this. At no time was my husband informed that such was the case. I have been hospitalized in the past while in other states and insurance has never been a problem. Never did it occur to my husband or me to question whether a major medical institution like the Mayo Clinic would or would not accept Medicare or Blue Cross Blue Shield. If that fact is stated in admitting papers that patients are asked to sign, that ought to be pointed out to them verbally at the time of admission, as many patients are not in a state of mind at that time to be able to read and comprehend what is stated in those forms. I certainly would have refused admission had I been told that I would be responsible for payment. Do we have any recourse?
