Just for comparison, here's an anecdote from Canada:
A few years ago, I suffered head trauma. I stumbled to the nearby walk-in clinic, and was seen by a doctor who immediately called 911. I got to ride in an ambulance (but wasn't in any shape to enjoy it, sadly), got CAT scans, examination by specialists, and so on. Later, I went to my personal doctor to get the stitches removed.
At least four doctors examined me, plus various nurses, plus a three-person ambulance crew, plus I took up valuable diagnostic machine time. Plus bandages, needles and sutures, dressings, anesthetic shots, antibiotics, and a tetanus shot. I had been taken to a modern, well-equipped hospital, the same one that my Member of Parliament goes to.
There was an apologetic letter saying they had to charge something to prevent people from using the ambulance as a taxi, but would gladly waive payment if it was a hardship. Just for comparison, the price of a taxi ride for that distance would have been $24 plus tip.
I am glad that the US seems to be moving (slowly) towards a better health care system. Until then, I am very glad that you had insurance.
Re:
Just for comparison, here's an anecdote from Canada:
A few years ago, I suffered head trauma. I stumbled to the nearby walk-in clinic, and was seen by a doctor who immediately called 911. I got to ride in an ambulance (but wasn't in any shape to enjoy it, sadly), got CAT scans, examination by specialists, and so on. Later, I went to my personal doctor to get the stitches removed.
At least four doctors examined me, plus various nurses, plus a three-person ambulance crew, plus I took up valuable diagnostic machine time. Plus bandages, needles and sutures, dressings, anesthetic shots, antibiotics, and a tetanus shot. I had been taken to a modern, well-equipped hospital, the same one that my Member of Parliament goes to.
Two weeks later, I got the bill. It was itemized:
ITEM 1: $40.00 - Ambulance ride, 9 kilometers
ITEM 2: $ 5.20 - Harmonized Sales Tax
TOTAL: $45.20
There was an apologetic letter saying they had to charge something to prevent people from using the ambulance as a taxi, but would gladly waive payment if it was a hardship. Just for comparison, the price of a taxi ride for that distance would have been $24 plus tip.
I am glad that the US seems to be moving (slowly) towards a better health care system. Until then, I am very glad that you had insurance.