It is established in law that if one is ignored in a hospital initially -- that is, no acknowledgement of injury is made -- that neglect even leading to death is not malpractice.
At least, this is how it was explained to me by probably the only honest lawyer in Florida, who counseled me when a hospital ignored my seriously injured son (who thankfully did not die).
The first question was "who is your insurance provider" and when the answer was, "I'm self insured" we were told to wait. And wait. And wait. Until my son threw up in the triage nurse's face.
By that time I had raised so much hell trying to get my son treated that I was arrested for disturbing the peace (hence the discussion with the attorney later).
Yes, it is a strategy. Maybe something like this will begin to put a stop to it.
But, until then, I have, of course, lost all faith in the hospital business.
Fortunately, my son was transferred to a private hospital in another town and the subject of the bill did not even come up until we were checking him out. It was like night and day.
If you like it now you'll love "New and Improved" Hillary Care.