What will be my hospital ER bill ?
Question:
I dont have health insurance. Today I cut my finger while cutting vegetables in the kitchen. The bleeeding did not stop. So I went to a local hospital ER.
They performed the following:
1) They took my blood pressure and Pulse.
2) Washed my wound. Put on some Gel like medicine on the finger.
3) Put a Cloth Bandage on my finger. No stitches.
4) Gave me a Titanus shot.
5) A doctor or semi doctor may have talked to me.
How much bill should I be expecting for the above mentioned treatment. I am really worried since I dont have health insurance.
Thanks in advance !
Answers:
It depends upon where you live. Some rural hospitals will be cheaper than urban hospitals and teaching hospitals can be cheaper than independent hospitals. I'd say $500 to $1500. Now the good news is that if your income is close to or below poverty level then many hospitals have a state sponsored "charity" (for lak of a better term) care program that can either get your bill paid entirely or you will have to pay only a few pennies on the dollor. when you get the bill call the billing office and tell them your situation and they will be able to let you know what they can do to help you get the bill paid. If they don't have any programs they can set you up for a monthly payment plan that you can afford.
Edit: don't let the term "charity" care program turn you off. The state pays the hospital bill and the hospital gets to advertise they they gave the community so much monies worth in free care which makes them look sweet and saintly.
Hard to say - but I'd guess $300-$500. Once the bill is finalized, negotiate the bill down. Even if you pay 50%-60% if the bill, they'll get more money than if you had health insurance!
it all depends on the hospital you went to and what the gell that they put on your finger was. Good luck and if your in the US you can get help paying that pill and get insurance through the county or buy calling the billing office at the hospital as soon as you get the bill
For an ER visit, I would guess in the neighborhood of $1000, maybe more.
ERs aren't cheap. Gelfoam isn't cheap either.
EMT
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