Monday, February 10, 2003
Errrrrrrr, ER?
Parker's emergency room bill just came in. The costs for his use of the nebulizer, room, and chest x-ray were right about what I was expecting. His pharmacy costs, however, were $4000 dollars.
Excuse me? Four thousand dollars?!? Parker had four abuterol treatments, one dose of motrin, and one dose of steroids. If I were to go down to the local pharmacy, I could get this entire prescription for right about 40 dollars. And that would be enough abuterol and steroids for a week's regimen.
How outrageous is this? If our government really wanted to help the American people revitalize the economy, they should curb hospital overcharging. If hospitals didn't overcharge, then insurance companyt rates would decrease, and the average consumer would have more disposable income, thereby bolsetring the economy. I understand hospitals have a profit to consider, but this kind of overcharging is ridiculous.
Here's hoping that the majority of this charge will be absorbed by our insurance. In the mean time, I think I'll ask for an itemized bill.
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