[tjd1454]

We recently learned first-hand about the outrageous costs of health care. My son was in an accident and hurt his back. He was transported to hospital and spent the afternoon & evening in the ER room before being discharged. He had a bunch of x-rays, was on a bed in the hall - no room, no meals were offered him. The only medication was (finally) a Tylenol. They gave him an "off the shelf" back support (not customized), and let him go.

There was a parade of doctors who came over and briefly talked with him, some gave him a cursory look over. Now I know why - they all submitted their "consulting fees"

The cost for basically sitting in the ER for the better part of a day? $10,000. And my son doesn't have insurance through his job. Fortunately he also doesn't have any assets so, as they say, "you can only squeeze so much blood from a turnip"

[dirtymac]

Bull

[dennisw]

A friend was knocked off his bicycle by an automobile. Ambulance took him to the hospital and he racked up a $52000 bill in 2 days.

6 weeks later they sent him a letter knocking it down to$2,500 for services rendered. He thinks this is because he has a nothing-none existent credit score. No credit card and has always paid cash. The guy is not poor owns a house and some more. He says the hospital believes he is indigent