Has anyone else been screwed over by the hospital?

United States
March 31, 2008 2:08pm CST
I fell off my bike and broke two teeth and was laying in the street in my own blood and when the ambulance came the first thing I said to them was that I wasn't getting in to the ambulance if it was going to cost money because I don't have health insurance. They told me it would be okay and that I needed to go with them. So I did and while I was at the hospital I kept telling the nurse not to do anything that would cost money because I wouldn't be able to afford it. I was again reassured not to worry about it. Now months later, a collection agency is contacting me about money that I owe to the ER physician. $530!!! I am outraged because my visit to the ER room was definitely NOT worth $530. The Doctor shoved a tooth that came out back into my face (Very crookedly I might add). Did not even know or bother to tell me that my JAW was broken. I found out 2 days later at the dentist that my jaw was broken and had to go BACK to the ER. AND the Doctor did not give me any anti-biotics or painkillers, which my dentist was shocked to find out. I know that I should call someone and fight this, but I am tired of being passed from one person to another, one billing department to another and not getting anywhere. Does anyone have any advice??
1 person likes this
3 responses
• United States
31 Mar 08
I agree with Julie. I think you need to call a lawyer. I would advise you to call around to a few places and see what kind of deal you can get. Perhaps you will find someone that will take pay after a lawsuit is won. Best of luck to you. I understand your frustrations.
@julievy (593)
• United States
31 Mar 08
Call a lawyer! If the ER doc failed to find a broken jaw and you suffered for a few days - that is malpractice. At the very least a lawyer should be able to get them to write off the bill, and perhaps get you some money for pain and suffering.
@Phlamingho (7825)
• Denmark
31 Mar 08
Stories like that makes me really happy to live in a country with free health care :-)