After visiting an Atlanta emergency department, a woman was given hundreds of dollars. She had not been seen by any medical personnel.
According to Fox 5 AtlantaTaylor Davis arrived at Emory Decatur Hospital ER in order to be treated for a head wound. Davis returned home after seven hours of waiting without any treatment.
“I didn’t get my vitals taken, nobody called my name. I wasn’t seen at all,” Davis said.
After the hospital visit, Davis received a $700 bill. Davis felt the charge was incorrect and called the hospital.
Davis Was Charged A $700 Fee
Davis called the hospital to confirm that the $700 charge was correct. Davis was arrested “facility fee,”Also known as an “emergency room visiting fee.” This fee is often included in a patient’s total bill, but it is usually easy to miss.
“So I called them and [an employee] said it’s hospital protocol even if you’re just walking in and you’re not seen. When you type in your social, that’s it. You’re going to get charged regardless,” Davis said.
Davis sent an email. A hospital employee replied. “You get charged before you are seen. Not for being seen.”
Davis is reluctant to visit an emergency room or hospital again for treatment. Davis now regards them as a “family member”. “last resort.”
“Seeing that they’re able to bill you for random things, it doesn’t make me want to go. So that’s no good,” Davis said.
Hidden Hospital Fees: How common are they?
According to Kaiser Health NewsThis practice is known as “provider-based billing.”Some hospitals can bill separately for both the physician and facility services.
Emory Healthcare responded to this situation by releasing a statement for Fox 5 Atlanta claiming that it “takes all patient concerns seriously and appreciates this has been brought to our attention. Our teams are currently looking into this matter and will follow up directly with the individual.”
According to a Healthcare Cost Institute studyThe average cost of an emergency room visit is $1,389. Over the past decade, this price has risen by 176%. Also, this price includes only the cost of emergency treatment. It does not include blood tests or IVs for drugs or other forms.
The Pandemic COVID-19Many hospitals have a shortage of staff, which causes longer wait times and less room for patients.