3 ms·
Anecdata: I just had a very mild infection a month ago, but it went to my heart so I went to the ER (thinking they'd give me antibiotics and send me on my way).
by afranchuk 5y ago
Anecdata: I just had a very mild infection a month ago, but it went to my heart so I went to the ER (thinking they'd give me antibiotics and send me on my way). They wanted to monitor me for 2 days so admitted me. I know I have the right to refuse (and very nearly did), but wanted to make sure my heart was all right. Long story short, they gave me nothing more than aspirin for that stint, did an echo and an EKG, and the billed amount is $130k. Completely ridiculous. I don't care if that's not the amount you pay, that's not right. The baby aspirin were $10 each!! Meanwhile they sent me home with an aspirin prescription for 120 (adult) pills that was about $5.
- tartoran 5y agoThis is absolutely ridiculous. Lots of people who would need to be monitored will simply refuse to do so, afraid of the astronomical bills. Even 5k would be a lot but 130k?
- KboPAacDA3 5y agoHow much did you pay in the end?
- afranchuk 5y agoWell, I haven't paid yet ;) but the adjusted amount charged to my insurance was about $12.5k. I have a highish deductible plan but I have an HSA so after meeting deductible and maxing out my out of pocket limit the HSA is going to cover much of what remains (it's been accruing for 5 years and I never have medical expenses). But I think it's completely insane we have to play these games with healthcare. Why does it have to feel like gambling and bartering!?
- Ekaros 5y agoWhat I find most insane in the USA system is the initial price and then some "adjusted" amount that can be nearly 90% discount... Why isn't there only one single price for everyone? Why isn't it mandated that you can only charge single price for everyone and you can't give discounts?