QuestionI recently made a trip to the ER at the request of my doctor that I visited because of some persistent (slight) pains I was feeling in my right side (I still do have my appendix, but the pain was very slight but noticeable) that my doctor didn't want to address himself and so I went to the ER, did a blood and urine test and basic physical type thing in the ER. As it would turn out nothing was found and I was given only an anti-inflammatory shot which made the pain go away. Later was sent a bill for like $925 for the hospital bill plus $250 from the doctor (which I didn't actually see, but rather their assistant). I have no insurance, and I don't work and can't afford insurance. How can this visit have been so expensive? I honestly think even a total $250 might have been pushing it since I merely peed in a cup and got a generic shot (which itemized by itself wasn't that pricey). Where do these costs come from? I believe 50% of the time hospitals double charge people?
Answerhow many times have I answered this question..... I agree, those are pretty outrageous charges.... this can easily become a long discussion, but, the charges are markedly inflated... insurance companies, medicare, etc. pay only a fraction of those charges. Typically, Medicare pays the hospital about 25% of their charges, private insurance closer to 50%. Because so many uninsured, poor people use the ER, the prices reflect a way for the ER to keep going, but having higher charges to everyone. No one, except self pay people, wind up potentially paying these inflated prices.
You may be able to talk to someone in billing (ultimately a manager) who might discount the bill if you agree to pay it all at once. I would offer 40% of the bill charges if you can pay it. Your other option is to pay 5$ per month indefinitely.... hospitals will not send you to collections if you are making payments.
