Quote:
Originally Posted by aap1966
No, but the $$ the hospital gets is standardized for the diagnosis/ procedure.
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You're joking, right? Let me tell you about my hospital visit years ago.
Around 35-40 yrs old. Healthy weight and lifestyle. BMI of ~21, non smoker, non drinker, no drugs. Great BP and respiratory rate.
I get a rash all over my body and its after hours so I go to the ER. They say "no idea why it is and give me a shot and steroid dose pack and I'm home in less than an half hour after being seen (I won't comment on the wait to be seen).
I have no insurance so when the bill comes it is outrageous. I call to question it. They say that the basic charge is based on a points system and the more that you have done the more points... OK fine except, IIRC the highest level is 5 or 6. I ask them to explain the points:
I had 3 points for filling out the paperwork, having my BP, temp and weight checked and being asked "what's your problem?"! One more point for the nurse giving me a simple shot in the hip and a paper script for the dose pack.
Talk about a scam! No one can get out for less than 4 points. Most people don't question it and either 1) have insurance, 2) pay the bill or 3) stiff the place.
No wonder healthcare insurance premiums keep going up.