refusing to pay a medical bill

[skipper]

My daughter was very sick this weekend took her to the ER with abdominal pain friday the Dr. refused to run a urinalysis after I requested one said "I dont think she's that sick" Had to take her back sunday with temp of 105.7 diferent Dr. runs a battery of test had to put her on an IV spent 5.5 hours hooked up and guess what it was?a serious bladder infection. Iam now in a battle with the hospital about paying first bill why should I. The Dr. didnt do his job. By the way her fever on friday was 103.9 What would you do? It is now in dispute.

[kashi]

I think you have every right to fight it! Good for you. That is absolutely ridiculous.

[jacquelynrose]

I think you know what you child needs more than anyone else! I would refuse to pay it as well.

Jacquelyn

[DivaJen]

I'd fight it. As much of a pain as it is to fight hospitals and/or insurance, you have to do what you have to do to stand up for yourself. You wouldn't have been here a second time if the UTI had been caught the first time, right?

[Armywife]

Originally Posted by skipper

My daughter was very sick this weekend took her to the ER with abdominal pain friday the Dr. refused to run a urinalysis after I requested one said "I dont think she's that sick" Had to take her back sunday with temp of 105.7 diferent Dr. runs a battery of test had to put her on an IV spent 5.5 hours hooked up and guess what it was?a serious bladder infection. Iam now in a battle with the hospital about paying first bill why should I. The Dr. didnt do his job. By the way her fever on friday was 103.9 What would you do? It is now in dispute.

you are 100% correct to dispute it... your daughter could have obtained serious damage with such a high fever. I had a similar situation a few years back and wound up taking antibiotics (which I was allergic to AND it was on my medical file). Luckily my husband was there to get all the necessary info and he made a real big stink about the care I received. I was also sent home and returned but with 104.3 fever and in a horrible state of pain. Hubby webt through the chains one by one until he reached some hospital executive who listened. The resident doctor mysteriously disappeared and my ER bill did too (later I received a package containing the correct medication and a check... perhaps to change my mind about pursuing legal action) If I were you, I would arm myself with information (Doctors name, documents showing he discharged her while she was still very sick) and have him reprimanded for allowing her to leave the facility without proper care. This situation could have been worse.. heck, even fatal. Take it up to your local congressman if you have to... they will listen if they think they'll lose votes!

[skipper]

I have taken it up with the administrator it is now being investigated.

[PRICEPLUS]

I hope your daughter is well now.

A reminder to folks. Your ER doc may not be certified in ER medicine. Sometimes you get a less than competent physician in the ER. Why? Check your states regs concerning who can cover an ER. Heck, you may get someone who does not have the requisite skill set to care for acute care patients even though by law they can practice in that setting.

When my daughter was an infant her peditrician suggested we use gentian violet for a case of thrush my daughter had. The doctor told us to ignore the skull and crossbones that indicated poison as the amount would be small. I may not be the brightest tool in the shed but neither I nor my wife were going to let our little one ingest anything that said "do not ingest".

Out of curiousity I went to speak to the pharmacist. The pharmacist shook his head and said the proper formula would have to be made up. The proper formula was an aqueous solution and not one made with alcohol. We changed perdiatricians PDQ!

Medicine is an art not an exact scince. There are Rembrandts and there are guys who could not paint a wall. YOU must advocate for yourself! Ask questions and find out your rights. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

[skipper]

My daughter is doing much better now. The administration has gotten back with me they are returning my co pay and removing the bill from my insurance. Now they are dealing with the Dr. who will bill me seperatly he is not taking responsibility and we are in medation about his bill now. Iam amazed at how a threat of an editoral in the paper will get management moving.

[Armywife]

Originally Posted by skipper

My daughter is doing much better now. The administration has gotten back with me they are returning my co pay and removing the bill from my insurance. Now they are dealing with the Dr. who will bill me seperatly he is not taking responsibility and we are in medation about his bill now. Iam amazed at how a threat of an editoral in the paper will get management moving.

I'm glad she's feeling better and that this whole situation is clearing itself out

Good luck & please keep us posted!
Barb