Just got my hospital bill!

[keepaloozen 0]

Wow, just received my hospital bill and I almost fell over! I have insurance, but I knew that I would have to pay a percentage. My hospital bill, (everything includ. surgery room, etc.) was $66,000 ! That's right! It is so hard to believe. I was in the hospital overnight, and left the next afternoon. I realize that it is an expensive propostion, but really? I think that I will owe less than $4,000, but I wonder how the insurance companies will continue to ok this type of procedure, when the cost is so high. Am I just naive, or is this rediculously high?

[kellyw74 258]

OMG!! That is crazy!!

I am glad that I only had to pay $25/copay.

I guess that they think it is cheaper than paying for our lifelong health issues being overweight tho.

Kelly

[Michelle Cicerello 6]

I got the itemized bill that the hospital is sending to the insurance company, and it was for 44 thousand, and I about fell over - I was told that the surgery would cost 13k and it included the hospital stay, anesthesiologist everything and on it, I had to lines for surgery, first one was for 14 thousand, second was for 17 thousand - I have my two week post op visit tomorrow and I am going to ask if I had a second surgery that I didnt know about... lol

I am sure it will all work out in the end, but like you, it kinda threw me for a loop

but hey.. we have the surgery, everything else is just cake

[MINI-Me 196]

Since you have insurance ... don't forget this is just the hospital's bill - it is not what insurance will pay. They have a negotiated agreement. Your percentage should be off the negotiated rate, not the billed charges. (Assuming this was a participating hospital.)

Do you have an itemzed bill? If so, it may be worthwhile to review and make sure you really had all the services they billed you for.

Take a deep breath and be glad you have insurance!

[kellyw74 258]

WOW MINI ME!! your stats look great!!

good job.

Kelly

Since you have insurance ... don't forget this is just the hospital's bill - it is not what insurance will pay. They have a negotiated agreement. Your percentage should be off the negotiated rate, not the billed charges. (Assuming this was a participating hospital.)

Do you have an itemzed bill? If so, it may be worthwhile to review and make sure you really had all the services they billed you for.

Take a deep breath and be glad you have insurance!

[grannyk 58]

Wow, just received my hospital bill and I almost fell over! I have insurance, but I knew that I would have to pay a percentage. My hospital bill, (everything includ. surgery room, etc.) was $66,000 ! That's right! It is so hard to believe. I was in the hospital overnight, and left the next afternoon. I realize that it is an expensive propostion, but really? I think that I will owe less than $4,000, but I wonder how the insurance companies will continue to ok this type of procedure, when the cost is so high. Am I just naive, or is this rediculously high?

Actual hospital bills can be very misleading. That bill is probably what the hospital charges for all the expenses related to your surgery. However, hospitals have contracts with insurance companies where the hospital agrees to take "X" number of $$$$ for procedures/surgeries, which is usually considerably less than the actual charges. The patient is then responsible for their portion of the bills. Don't worry about the hospital getting all of its money or the insurance company deciding not to pay for the surgery. They all take care of themselves...Kathe

[MINI-Me 196]

WOW MINI ME!! your stats look great!!

good job.

Kelly

Thank you!

[LESLIEH 68]

Holy crap!!!!! I'm now courious on what my bills looks like seeing they kept me there for 4 days. My insurance paid for the whole thing, I didn't even have a copay. But like everyone else said thank god for insurance paying most of it.

[2bslimkim 11]

This is what is wrong with our countries health care system. I was a cash pay and I paid TOTAL $12,500. and that included 2 nights stay at a lovely hospital in Dallas that specializes in WLS and my Dr.'s fees.

Our insurance rep has always told us (if possible) negotiate surgical costs before hand to avoid hopital overages. This is how they make money (to pay for those who doen't/can't pay). It is also why so many americans can't afford insurance. The insurance companies must recoop the money somehow.

Think about it..... if your bill is $44k (let say) and you owe 10% you are still paying 1/3 of what I spent and I was cash.... didn't have to deal with the BS before hand. No long waits etc. Decided in January I wanted surgery. Had surgery in February.

$66k is rediculous