Ask Me Help Desk - Medical Bill Dispute

I went to the emergency room in great pain and told every person I met what I needed. I had had a tummy tuck in Costa Rico and my tummy was so full of fluid I could barely walk. My tummy needed to be drained. When I finally saw the doctor, she said," We don't do that." She gave me a referral to an answering service for "Plastics "that was closed for weeks. I don't think I owe this hospital any doctor any money. She turned me away when I was in great pain and I think she was negligent. I wrote to the CEO of the hospital but did not get much of a response. The Director of the ER called me to say they did everything right. I finally ended up in the ER of another hospital and had a lot of treatment and finally surgery which might have been avoided if the ER doc had helped me.

The billing service for the doctor sent me a bill. I called them to tell them I was not going to pay. They sent the bill for $150.00 to a collection agency. I also rec'd a bill for $350.00 from the hospital but have not heard from them again. What should I do if I refuse to pay.
Take them to small claims court ? What options do I have. My credit is perfect and I don't want it damaged. Thanks for your help.

Sue in Florida

It will be damaged, soon the collection agency will report it, and then the hospital. And I doubt if the 500 will be all the bill.

I would find it hard to beleivev even a walk though would be less than 2000 dollars, my last ER trip was in the 1000's for a couple hours ( but good service)

If you just refuse to pay, they will report it.
You need to talk to the hospital and see what they are doing, ( writing it off or sending it to collections)

And if the ER doctor will not agree you may have to sue them Or see if they will just settle for a lower sum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by suem600

I went to the emergency room in great pain and told every person I met what I needed. I had had a tummy tuck in Costa Rico and my tummy was so full of fluid I could barely walk. My tummy needed to be drained. When I finally saw the doctor, she said," We don't do that." She gave me a referral to an answering service for "Plastics "that was closed for weeks. I don't think I owe this hospital any doctor any money. She turned me away when I was in great pain and I think she was negligent. I wrote to the CEO of the hospital but did not get much of a response. The Director of the ER called me to say they did everything right. I finally ended up in the ER of another hospital and had a lot of treatment and finally surgery which might have been avoided if the ER doc had helped me.

The billing service for the doctor sent me a bill. I called them to tell them I was not going to pay. They sent the bill for $150.00 to a collection agency. I also rec'd a bill for $350.00 from the hospital but have not heard from them again. What should I do if I refuse to pay.
Take them to small claims court ? What options do I have. My credit is perfect and I don't want it damaged. Thanks for your help.

Sue in Florida

Please see my reply to DR.WRONG