Shock and Awe

Can anyone tell me if this is normal. I got my hospital bill today. It was (drum roll) $88,500. Thats right nearly $100,00. I was in the hosptial for 5 days. I did have a stomach scan also. My insurance has not paid yet. Does this sound right? I thought this was around $25,000. I plan to call the doctors office in the morning. Thanks

Where'd you have surgery? Every hospital has different charges. A five day stay can add up. The normal hospital stay for bypass is 3 days..did you have any complications? If so, the bill can be increased greatly by lab work, scans, physical therapy and such. You should call the hospital and ask specifically for a itemized bill. It will break down the cost of everything for you. You should start there so you'll know what you're dealing with. Tame

Unfortunately I can see that charge up there...but you should ABSOLUTELY get an itemized bill. Make sure that you got everything they charged you for. Also, depending on the contract that your insurance has with your hospital, they may have a certain percentage that they have agreed upon covering. Sometimes hospitals OVERCHARGE because they know they are only going to get a % of that from insurance companies, so they higher the cost, the higher the amount they will get reimbursed. Make sense? Sad isn't it? Good luck. But you know...if I had to pay one million for this surgery it would be worth every single penny. Valerie

Hey Valerie, if hospitals are charging so much, wouldn't it make sense for you, a hospital worker, to get paid more? Denise

YYYYEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love your way of thinking!! We keep saying that all the time, but believe it or not, nurses are an expense to the hospital. We aren't considered money makers so that is why they try to cut back on staff!! WHERE'S THE LOVE MAN????? As much as we do I think we should get paid a lot. But then again, I think teachers are underpaid because I don't think I could handle that job! Ok, I think EVERYBODY needs a raise today!! Who's with me?? Val

I'm with you sister!!!!!!! As a page operator in a hospital I totally know what being a non money maker is :o(

call the hospital and request a itemized bill!!!! then review it and make sure (if you can remember things that was done to you, except in surgery) are right. highlight the charges that are not right and then call the hospital back and talk to them about the charges and then if they insist the charges are correct call an attorney. hope this helps!!!

Julie, that sounds like the "billed rate". The billed rate could be 1 million dollars - it doesn't matter. What really counts is the contracted rate that will be paid to the hospital and surgeons.(Billed rates are usually used for self-pay folks.) Probably the hospital will be paid by DRG (diagnosis related group) which is a set amount for your hospital stay - they get paid the same amount whether you stay 2 days or 10 days. Don't do anything until you get an EOB (explanation of billing) from the insurance company. Sue