Reply #6: Here's the kicker! [View All]

[Uben]

I broke a leg a couple of years ago, had arthroscopic surgery to repair, two screws in tibia. Total bill $40,000. WTF! My insurance has a $5,000 deductible and 50% of the next $10,000, so the most I can be out is $10,000. So why do I care?

I get the statement of charges to the ins. co, and it lists a physicians aide, who was in the surgery room, as a surgeon! Of course they tried to charge about $5,000 for that. I called my ins. co. and told them this guy is not a surgeon, he is a physician's assistant, training to be a surgeon. They tell me that is between me and the hospital, because they do not dispute hospital billings! WTF?

Well, I call the hospital and threaten to sue if they do not remove the charges. Of course, when they saw I was serious, they did. This took hours on the phone. I wonder how many billions are lost on those who do not question their bills, or just take he hospital word for the charges?