Some of you may remember that back in July I broke my toe. It is not an unusual event in my life. But sometimes I also dislocate it. So I decided to do the responsible thing and go to the hospital to get checked out. If it was broken there was nothing they could do. If it was dislocated they needed to put it back in place.
It turns out that it was just broken. So 5 hours in the hospital, couple of xrays, 60 seconds with a doctor, and a vicodin later I was on my way.
And then I waited for the bill to arrive. I have insurance but it sucks. I knew I would get a bill.
And they have arrived...all 3 of them.
From some independent radiology group:
X-ray: $29.00 (wow, these are cheap)
From the hospital:
Diagnostic Radiology $193.00 (apparently costs more to look at an x-ray than to use the machine)
Self administered drugs $11.20 (vicodin -- 2 pills)
Medical surgical supplies $49.75 (the boot, to protect the toe from future injury)
Emergency room: $616.00 (say what?????)
From the doctor (you know, the one who spent 60 seconds with me):
Emergency visit $96.25 (because they didn't have a doctor already in the hospital?)
Treatment of toe fracture $163.17 (now that is an hourly rate that I could stand to earn)
Total damages (besides the broken toe) $1,158.37
I think I need to start wearing steel toe boots.
Mean Mama
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Called the hospital this morning...the said the $616 is for walking through the emergency room doors and waiting to be seen. What? I am being charged for waiting? Yep.
ReplyDeleteCalled the doctor's office regarding his portion of the bill and they said that is the normal rate. I told them that his hourly rate must be astronomical if I have to pay him $259+ for 1 minute of service.
They both said I could dispute the charges. You better bet I will be doing that.
This is terrible. I am so sorry.
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