Why Emergency Rooms Are A Hotbed For Surprise Medical Bills

The Consumerist ^ | 11/05/2015 | Ashlee Kieler

[Rodamala]

I was billed $1200.00 for that 30 second conversation.

I am curious if you felt obligated to pay. Was there a signed contract?

[Rodamala]

Everyone missed the mark with this “affordable healthcare insurance” business... The healthcare is what ought to be affordable, and the way you do that is by making healthcare providers compete with each other.

[Rodamala]

I shod a horse for a doctor recently, one that charged me a mint. I charge $2K to shoe the horse. Not my usual price. He was bent. I asked what an hour and a half in his office would cost me. He said he was more skilled. If that was the case, I said, he could shoe his own horse next time, it was still $2K.

Kudos.

Still... at least he can open up any phonebook and solicit quotations from other farriers he may want to contract with. You are probably not so lucky.

Because the government/healthcare/insurance industrial complex is all about eliminating choice, you are stuck with the doctor they tell you to use. There is no free market to keep costs low... and nobody cares because "someone else" pays anyways.

Outrage over insurance premiums or deductibles is totally misplaced... it's the cost and quality of care that matters.

[Rodamala]

Rodamala's Rules of Engagement for when dealing with Federalized Healthcare "Providers":

1) Sign nothing.

2) Never answer any question you feel has nothing to do with the care your expect to be provided.

3) Retain your right to refuse to contract for services... (see #1).

4) Never, EVER, under any circumstances allow your shoes and clothing to be taken from your direct personal possession.

[headstamp 2]

“I am curious if you felt obligated to pay. Was there a signed contract?”

Being admitted to the emergency room is basically that contract. You sign when entering.

I’m in the process of negotiating it down to a manageable amount. 1200 is ridiculous theft.

[Chode]

good.

[rey]

If he had asked a price, I would have quoted one, but he did not.

He told me he would never call me again. I said likewise, I would never darken the doorway of his practice.

[Sequoyah101]

Amazing. I offered to settle with the ER group for an amount a damn site more than I make per hour and they refused. It was about 67% or so of their bill. Even sent them a check and they refused it. Turned it over to a collection agency that I ignored and they quit calling.

I’m way past borrowing money so I really don’t give a damn about my credit rating tough I do pay all my bills faithfully so long as they are what I agreed to and not usurious.

[AllAmericanGirl44]

bkmk

[Chode]

your state may have similar provisions

[AllAmericanGirl44]

Thank you, I need to look into this. Doubtful here in crazy commie IL, but I’ll look.