just another insurance related vent

Yeah, the confused face is what I had when I got an explanatin of benefits form my insurance indicating I had to pay almost $4000 to the shock trauma center where I was taken after my accident. I was confuzzled becuase they'd paid all University of MD Medical Center's fees where the shock trauma center was. so, I called them.

The shock trauma center is NOT IN NETWORK, while the hospital itself is. So, what? I was supposed to tell the EMTs to check before they took me in the ambulance to the hospital? Should I have asked the shock trauma staff to stop and first figure out if I am covered before they figure out if I have internal trauma?

This ****** me off really bad. Why is health insurance so difficult and complicated?

So now instead of my suual 10% (a couple hundred bucks), I have to pay 60% of the charges, which are higher than usual becuase they don't have a negotiated rate with the insurance.

*SIGH*

wow i'm so sorry. i frickin hate insurance companies. i sprained my ankle and it cost me 150 bucks to go to patient first. i am just gonna suffer next time.

Call Shock Trauma and see if you can negotiate something...

ugh I would be upset too!

I'll have to grovel but I can't do it this week. I'll start Monday with a fresh outlook.

Wow Sylvie, This insurance is so confusing. My hubby had a stent put in almost 2 years ago and Washington Hosp. Center. billed it as an  outpatient  procedure. He was admitted to the hospital and spent the night. I argued if he spent the night how was it outpatient ? They claim the doc did not write admit just observe because BP was to low. We now owe $3000.00 and they won't budge off that amount so guess what? I am paying them $25.00 a month. I told them this is their fault and BC&BS just said they need to re bill and it will be paid. They won't re bill since it doesn't say admit. This is a joke. Good luck on getting that amount reduced. And just think these places are suppose to help people.

                                                                                                       Julie

I am going to have to do that. I totaled it yesterday and it's around 2268 which doesn't seem like a large amount but after the car being totalled and 3 surgeries this year, it's just another expense I could have done without.

Insurance company's suck!!!!! Sorry you are going throught this. i hope it get's better and you can negotiate something with them

That's what I am hoping for, Kelly.

I so feel your pain with this considering my out of pocket surgery costs WITH insurance.  Hopefully they will work with you on payment.  That is what I am trying to do with my surgeon. Even though we kick an scream about the bills,  at least they helped you make it through your situation.  It's hard to put a price on life! Hang in there.  But a big old F U to the insurance companies! UGH

It's funny that the insurance company actually helped me out without too much of a fight. I am now pissed at the hospital; how can each center have their own insurance company?