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

[loup_noir]

When I looked over the bills for the last six months or so of my mother's last illness, I was aghast. Her insurance was amazing, leaving me to pay for lots of lab works and doctor visits at $5 or $10 a pop, but the cost to the insurers was hideous.

As part of the vast American uninsured (yeah, we're running late), I honestly would apply my own tourniquet and drive myself to an open hospital (preferably our local clinic) before calling 911. If I had to have some joint replaced, I'd go to Mexico.

As for the US being the "best," pshaw! My cousin had treatments in the eighties that weren't being offered here. Sweden kept Lief alive decades past any of the estimates he'd have gotten here. Lief had a heart transplant, an extra kidney piggybacked onto his failing ones, tons of surgeries, etc.... Because Sweden gave a damn about the quality of life of its people, that's why.

Anyway, before I burst a blood vessel grumbling about the US' medical morass, it is so GOOD to see you post again. Take care and get well.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Same here, I have lots of copays (including $300/week for the mega-expensive antibiotics), but mostly insurance is covering everything. WHEW

Hope you're able to find a plan you like soon, and that it's dirt cheap! :)