cheesywonton
3133
77
4
I got really sick over Thanksgiving and had to have my tonsils drained due to excessive swelling. Long story short I had to be transferred to a local hospital with a eyes nose and throat Doctor.
They wouldn't let me drive or get a ride to the other hospital.
I kind of feel robbed.. I was stable and they didn't even turn the emergency lights on.
I understand these people save lives on a daily basis but in my particular case I think this is a tad ridiculous.
Yes I have insurance but my insurance company won't cover any of the cost because they are out of network.
Is it just me or does being forced to pay an absurd amount seem unethical and unfair?
Jenvas
this is extremely f'ed up
microman55
Its cheaper to call a uber
GiantPaws
I called an uber when I had appendicitis and couldn't drive from the pain. My last ambulance ride, like yours, was too expensive.
SmokingGandalf
You so lucky... that's every kids dream then for a bonus They gave you free disposable supp
MoPowahBaybeh
Welcome To America! https://youtu.be/5PyUE-Cj6PQ
djbigley
Fuuuuck that I'll drive.
swiggle13
That's crazy... I'm so sorry I can't offer more than an upvote. It does seem very unethical and unfair.
BurgerThing
you can negotiate that for sure
MysteryHamSandwich
Start negotiation at -1,073 and make them work it back to zero. Haha!
Andonemorething
I’ll just walk, thanks.
sosume
I suggest you see an Ear/Nose/Throat Dr. Not an optholaryngologist.
JimmyFreese
My grandma always called it a thousand dollar cab ride, now I know she wasn't kidding
theHUNGERian
Take Uber next time.
cheesywonton
Oh I will!
MaTuRE7o7
My family friend died because he hit his head falling down stairs but didn't go on an ambulance and just said he was fine 1/2
MaTuRE7o7
Because he didn't want to pay for an ambulance because of the high price and thought he could go in the morning but he died in his sleep :/
theoriginaljfizz
Dammit America...
CanadianParadox
People are taking Ubers over ambulances because it's cheaper. These are sad times.
theoriginaljfizz
Indeed.
MysteryHamSandwich
I have to say this truly bothers me. And before anyone goes on their rant about ethics, capitalizing on your ailment is wrong.
cheesywonton
Fully agree! You said it alot better than I could;)
igotagifforthat
Suffered a neck injury senior of college during a game and was taken off in an ambulance. Cost was $3,500 for a 5 min drive.
igotagifforthat
Since it happened during a collegiate sporting event the school was stuck with the bill.
holyguacamonica
If you are actually stable, and do not need any monitoring, than they can't force you to take an ambulance. Even of you aren't stable, they
holyguacamonica
Can't force you, you just need to stand up for yourself. Also, go talk to the ambulance company and tell them it isn't covered by insurance
holyguacamonica
And they might be able to lower the price.
ExpectedDickbuttGotDickbutt
I wonder which country this is. *Scottsdale, AZ.* Shocker. I love this country, but "ignore your Dr if they insist on ambulance" is nuts
cheesywonton
Phoenix.. but someone in the top comments made a good point on why they wouldn't let me find my own way if you care to look
Seyeght
Every single ambulance is 'out of network' by design in America, its stupid, but they know you dont have a choice.
cheesywonton
That is what pisses me off the most! It's like they have a monopoly and are taking full advantage of it screwing people over.
thefutureloislane
“Help! It’s an emergency” “Ambulance here!” “Hold on, let me call to make sure you’re in network....”
ianmannix1337
You rode in an out of network ambulance and the bill is just over a grand. I can't believe it's so low. Still sucks but way that's more
ianmannix1337
I only pay slightly less then that for an in network ambulance.
cheesywonton
I guess my point is that amount of money crazy! I mean even I paid the two guys in the ambulance for a full days wage and filled up the gas
cheesywonton
Tank in the ambulance, I think it would be understandable. But I think the over all amount of money I owe them is nuts expecially for how
cheesywonton
Little they had to do. Like seriously a 20 min ride and chat with me then they passed me off signed some paperwork and that's it.
FF290
Contest the bill with the ambulance service and original hospital, it should’ve been stated by the ambulance crew that it is your choice 1/2
FF290
It can be argued that you were unable to make an informed decision due to the terms not being explained prior to transport.
keyserv
Well, they can charge you, but they can't force you to pay them. Not sure what the consequences are.....
keyserv
I wonder what would happen if you just outright refused and decided to go on your own. They can't make you do that, I don't think.
MysteryHamSandwich
Collections.
griffinsage808
Lots of companies will write a lot off, just go in and talk to them Prices are so high because Medicare/aid pays like 16 cent on the dollar
cheesywonton
You mean I can actually talk them down? Could you explain a little further!?
griffinsage808
Wait til your insurance pays, then go in and tell them how much it is and explain that you don't have the ability to pay all of it. /1
griffinsage808
Some healthcare services write off a large percentage or at least lower things a little when you were face with an emergency.