What gets me is they (the hospitals) exaggerate their bills so they can get at least a modicum of payment from Medicare and other insurance companies. I understand they're trying to cover their costs, but when someone comes in and is trying to pay for their own care because they can't afford insurance, they are charged the same exact exorbitant rates as the insured. The uninsured, on the other hand, are expected to pay the full amount.
I know there are a large number who don't, but does that try to take their debt seriously into a pain to use exorbitant fees. Our system is so screwed up now it's going to take a major overhaul and I don't believe some little tax credit is going to take care of it. Quadius On 7/1/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > *Well, you'll be more flabbergasted to hear that it's the opposite in FL. > * > ** > *I spent 8 hours in the ER on a Sunday last month due to a UTI. I saw 2 > doctors, had one CT scan, was administered 2 pain meds and 1 antibiotic > (100mL Levaquin) by IV. Here is the Medicare statement I received.* > ** > *Amount billed $6,557.09 > Medicare is paying $481.70* > *Itemized list: > Urinalysis & scope $99.25 > Levaquin $121.25 > Tx/pro/dx injection same drug addon $363.75 > Tx/pro/dx new drug addon $242.50 > ER visit $452 > 2 CAT scans $4,458.25 > Pharmacy $182.90 > Med/surg supplies $148.24 > Routine venipuncture $9.24 > Comprehensive metabolic panel $157.25 > Blood culture for bacteria $108.25 > Complete CBC with auto diff $44.10 > Hydromorphone injection $40.00 > Morphine sulfate $120.10 > Ambulance $374.75 (Medicare approved $324.64 and paid $259.71) > Radiology Assoc. $236.00 (Medicare approved $110.06 paid $88.05)* > > In a message dated 6/30/2008 8:18:34 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, > [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > So doctors, hospitals, clinics, etc. are definitely getting paid more by > the *Federal Medicare* program but it is the feds to set it up that way to > begin with! > *Bill > C6 Incomplete since 7/20/68 > Age 57 > Leesburg, FL > *Don't get your knickers in a knot, it solves nothing; and makes you > walk funny. > > > > > ------------------------------ > Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used > cars<http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007> > . >
