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

[tersa.livejournal.com]

I am terribly glad for insurance this week for less critical reasons.

*hug* Good luck back at work, and be sure to be kind to yourself. You sound like you're still recovering.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I am, I'm taking it slow today and will head out a couple hours early. It's only 9:30 and I already feel ready for a nap (though that's not much different than any other day when I was healthy, to be honest. :P ).

I hope you don't have personal reason to be happy for insurance this week? You okay?

[tersa.livejournal.com]

Yes, but it's not remotely serious. :) I was just feeling very grateful for the ability to go in and have it checked out and not have to worry about how much it was going to cost to do so.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Oh ack! I did read that, just forgot. I was glad it's not that itchy, because a full-body itchy rash is a big pain!

Being able to get checked without worrying about the cost is SUCH a good thing -- there's enough to worry about just getting well!