Quote Quoting SJW
View Post
Florida - My son had to have some whirlpool treatments for a surgical procedure. This was done as an Out Patient at the hospital and would be up to 20 treatments.

We have Aetna HMO from my employer.

When my wife took my son the admittance area was specifically asked if there would be any charges for us to pay outside of co-pays. The answer was "no, only the $35 co-pay".

My wife then asked if it was $35 per treatment or just a one time $35 co-pay. Because if it was going to be $35 per treatment we would seek other remedies and decline the OP treatments. Again, she was told it would only be the one time $35 copay.

We agree to do the whirlpool treatments and before and after each treatment the nurse removes and applies bandages to the affected area.

This was in Feb, Mar and April of this year.

In June we get two bills one for $200 and one for over $1200. When we called about this it seems this was for removal and applying of bandages.

At this point we are in a letter writing campaign, but I have two questions.

Am I wasting my time to dispute this bill? I am guessing the hospital is probably going to produce some kind of document my wife signed stating we would pay all medical charges not paid by insurance.

How do they get away with doing billable procedures without disclosing the charges?
They get away with it because we are in a hurry and don't carefully read the contracts and ask questions. The often have some language in them that make it sound like if you don't sign the contract in entirety then no treatment.

I just came across one very similar to what you describe. It states something about incidental charges related to the medical condition performed by non-nursing personnel. They fall under a description that is not covered by the insurance- like taking off the bandages before whirlpool.

The thing to do is ask about these before they are incurred. It is painful to pay $1500 for someone to take off the bandaid. Next time tell them you want to know in writing what any incidental charges might be before you begin treatment. Ask if they will waive the costs if you do them yourself.