thistlechaser: (Sick cat)
thistlechaser ([personal profile] thistlechaser) wrote2014-02-01 05:31 pm
Entry tags:

Whew insurance, WTF hospitals?

I got my itemized bill from the hospital today. I have insurance (THANKFULLY), so it was sent for my information.

I was in the hospital exactly 14 days.

Total bill? $144,769

I nearly fell over. Just the hospital room and (awful) food cost $84,000 for the 14 days.

My antibiotic, the only one that worked, cost $250/dose when put in by the home nurse. When put in at the hospital? $3,990/dose.

I'd like to have a word with those who claim America has the greatest health care system in the world. The service I received was nearly 100% perfect, I have no complaints at all there, but the prices are just so unreasonable that 'unreasonable' doesn't even describe it.

One shot of nasal spray for a stuffy nose, put in by me, cost $179.

In related news, I'm still on the mend. Getting better every day, but still weak and little energy. Returning to work on Monday, so we'll see how that goes.

[identity profile] kelen.livejournal.com 2014-02-02 02:25 am (UTC)(link)
What you need to do is get a lawyer. Why? Because the hospital will charge you for EVERYTHING THEY POSSIBLY can.

That $1 sharpie they've had for six months and used to mark your chart with? They will charge every patient $3 for. :P

Fight this. Get an itemized bill and start demanding things you KNOW are bullshit be removed. I've heard of people reducing their bill to 1/4th what it was.

[identity profile] thistle-chaser.livejournal.com 2014-02-03 12:31 am (UTC)(link)
Luckily insurance covers most of it, so no need to argue it. I'd love to just because the charges are so high, but I don't have the time or energy. You're right though!