This time of year, folks who have maxed out their deductibles or have money left in their FSA get appointments. It may not be related to Obamacare, but the organization of employer provided insurance.
Not my fault, even though I am one of those people who just maxed-out the deductible.
I had a very slow heart rate for a few days, and short of breath, so I went to see my doctor. He had an EKG taken, and sent me straight to the local ER. ER ran a few tests, confirmed my DR’s diagnosis of Symptomatic Bradycardia, or slow and irregular heartbeat (45 bpm).
The ER in the local hospital had me transported by ambulance to the nearest cardio center, PeaceHealth Hospital in Eugene, Oregon. I was seen by Oregon Cardiology in the Oregon Heart and Vascular Institute, located on two floors in the hospital. They installed a pacemaker Wednesday, and sent me home yesterday. I feel much better, now.
So, I was an add-on patient, but not a true emergency, being stable with a low heart rate. I’ve seen the first bill to my Insruance Co, $499, from the hospital admitting doctor, who I saw for ten minutes at 11:00pm Tuesday night. My deductible is now maxed out, and I hope I don’t see the insurance company disputing any bills, because this was an expensive three days.