At the end of last week I think I finally resolved the last issue from the medical bills associated with losing S & G - that's approximately 8 months after leaving the hospital. I have found the medical billing process to be inherently cruel, despite some very kind individuals functioning within it.
I believe it is inhumane to bill each aspect of a hospital separately, ranging from different doctors, the actual hospital stay, in-house anesthesia, sub-contracted anesthesia, pills vs. iv medications, etc. These bills all come at different times with different levels of information contained in them. It seems reasonable to me to expect that the hospital (or an agency contracted by the hospital) gather this information and present it to patients IN ONE DOCUMENT AT THE SAME TIME. This would alleviate the necessity of explaining to multiple parties that we did not receive redundant services, that I had a delayed delivery of my second twin and that no, contrary to what you might think, G did not survive. It would also be extremely helpful if notes were actually taken so that when I respond to the first bill in Gs name and request that it be changed to my name I do not receive both a delinquent notice AND a notice informing me that is past time when I could enroll him on my health insurance plan and will now be required to pay out of pocket. There were so many problems with our bills that I can't even try to remember them all but I will add that the last one was a bill for anesthesia that was sent to collections without notifying me and when I finally got someone on the phone she first required that I pay the bill immediately with my credit card to get it removed from my credit report and then days later verified that they had actually cashed the check (although she insists she sent us multiple notifications and they tried to call us - which did NOT happen). So many people have hospital bills as a part of losing a loved one, could there not be support in navigating the billing process during times of overwhelming grief?Tirade over.
I've only heard and read about hospital bills and billing being a nightmare. I'm sorry you had to go through it and for so long. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteWow, how traumatic. This is an aspect of infant loss that I had never contemplated... It hurts my heart to read that the process is so insensitive. Thank you for bringing this to light.
ReplyDeleteHow awful to have to deal with such a thing after such a huge loss. I am so sorry for all that you've endured (xoxo) and I hope the billing is behind you soon.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds terrible. The mail must seem like a nightmare box with all these delayed and variously nasty things coming through. I think your idea for one, consolidated document is brilliant. There needs to be more compassion in the process of billing. Thinking of you and so sorry that this piece of things is being dragged out and handled so poorly.
ReplyDeleteOh my G-d, yes. You would think the situation would be so common with hospitals that they would have worked out a better system by now. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteOh, how agonizing. I think I would direct a letter (or just cut and paste your blog) to the head of the hospital, insurance company and your city newspaper. Perhaps if the cruelty of this process was brought to light, people would be influenced to find a better way. I am so sorry you had to go through this.
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