Whew insurance, WTF hospitals?

[thistlechaser]

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.

Comments

[voidmagus.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, you still will probably end up fighting. Unless you have amazing insurance, you probably will have to pay a deductible (usually a couple thousand, mine is $1500), after which insurance will pay 80% or 90% of the remaining bill up to a yearly out of pocket maximum (which varies pretty wildly - i know people with 50k max, 20k max, 15k max, etc).

The prices on your bill are also before the insurance company negotiates, so don't look at the percentages I named vs the 140k they're charging you.

As someone who spent a lot of his youth in hospitals and now is immune to most everything and a tolerance for pain that makes nurses squeamish -- our healthcare system has changed a lot in 20 years, and not for the better.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

I think I'm okay on that end (though not sure). I think I met my deductible before going in, though I do have a few co-pays (like $300/week for the mega-expensive antibiotic). Time will tell! Hopefully no big bills will arrive.

[voidmagus.livejournal.com]

I hope it turns out ok. Also glad to see you active on net again.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Being back to work helps with that, haha.