Medical Malpractice

How much can hospitals charge?

I recently was in the hospital, very unexpected, emergency gallbladder surgery. I didn't have very good insurance cause at the time I was looking for work, and was pretty healthy the last few years, and didn't think I would need it, at least for few months. I am older, so I can't get a decent insurance for what I can afford for being unemployed. Well the bill came, it was $35,000, plus I am getting bills from various other doctors, labs, and for x-rays and ultrasounds, some of which I never even had. I was in the hospital for about 4 days. I still am not working, but this is stressing me out so much, I feel I could get sick all over. Don't hospitals realize how this worry can cause more health problems. I take care of myself very well, I don't smoke, drink wine moderately, I walk a lot, don't even drive, ( which I have very small chance of getting in an accident), I go to a gym. Is it legitimate for hospitals to bill you soo high, especially when there is no itemization.

Public Comments

1. It depends. If you have insurance there is more than likely a maximum charge allowable. However, if you don't have insurance or are under-insured the regulations for charges vary widely from state to state. The best way to deal with creditors is to make payment arrangements. It also gives you a chance to put a "face" to your name. Don't wait until the collection agencies call...Good luck and I wish you well
2. ask them for a bill itimization. They have to give it to you. Doctors have to pay for med school somehow and I was say that's about right. Some hospitals have programs for low income to where they right off most of it or all of it. Talk to the business office. You have had those things whether you know it or not.. Labs are auto with surgery. To diagnose gallbladder, they probably did a ultarsound. If you think it's high now, try figuring out the charges once you get an itimization..For ex. enviromental charges....housekeeping. If you have any questions ask them..I would try to get the bill reduced or witten off.
3. You do have the right to an itemized bill. You need to request it in writting and keep all correspondence. You can also work out a payment plan with most hospitals. Hospitals can charge whatever they want, but they must charge everyone equally. If you have an insurange that is accepted at that hospital, what the hospital recieves from your insurance is what the insurance company finds what they call reasonable and customary. so if the hospital charges 1200 for something and they insurance say well pay 780 and they accept this insurance that is what is paid to the hospital.