About a week ago, I woke up at 3am with abdominal pain extending to my right side. I immediately thought it could be my appendix. By 7am after googling the symptoms, I decided to go to an ER and get it checked out. It was an inflamed (no rupture) appendix after they did a CAT scan. About 12 hours after the initial pain, the appendix was out and I was on the recovery road to the sun. I was discharged after a one night stay. It all went well and I was well satisfied with the medical help I received. I do not have medical insurance but I will be responsible for my surgery costs. I understand that hospitals and doctors are not in business to break even. I am searching for advice on how to determine what "usual and customary" fees are for the services I received. After a little research on the internet, the costs for these services vary considerably and I just want to find out how to get the best possible "bang for my medical buck".
At the moment I feel like I just went in to a car dealership, signed a blank contract and they have all the cost info.
I got my anesthesia bill yesterday for $1050 and I know I have several more statements coming. I think the hospital has labeled me as a "true self-payer", after a very brief conversation with a billing rep.
So any suggestions on negotiating costs with my providers would be appreciated. [IMGL][/IMGL]
At the moment I feel like I just went in to a car dealership, signed a blank contract and they have all the cost info.
I got my anesthesia bill yesterday for $1050 and I know I have several more statements coming. I think the hospital has labeled me as a "true self-payer", after a very brief conversation with a billing rep.
So any suggestions on negotiating costs with my providers would be appreciated. [IMGL][/IMGL]