Yes, and it looks like this person is uninsured. If insured, the contract rate would have been far lower, as noted in adjustments. Medical care will bankrupt you in the U.S.

Which is why so many people die from preventable illnesses over here. I mentioned to a friend in Australia that I was really sick with something, and he asked what the doctor said. I just laughed, because even with insurance none of us can afford to see a doctor.

Unfortunately it looks like this person is uninsured. They should call the hospital - most of them will give you a large discount if you are self pay. Hospitals usually charge larger amounts because they know the insurance company will be paying for it. Yes, it's completely ridiculous and we need universal health care!

I took a Lyft to the ER when I thought I was having a stroke because there is no way I could afford an ambulance. Even with insurance.

I have a good one for ya: Just yesterday I paid $60 to take one of my children to the doctor not because we were seeking treatment for the little 1 day cold but because we needed a note to excuse the absence from school. I almost wish I could just bribe the school directly for less money perhaps and eliminate this red tape.

Even with an insurance copay it's $1800

of course it's the USA. No civilized country inflicts this on their citizens

Yeah.. most of us don't pay the medical bills..simply impossible.

In the US, level of care makes a huge difference on the amount billed. This person went to an Emergency Room, that's the highest level of care and therefore most expensive. We also have Urgent Care centers which is a step down in cost, or for very minor issues you can visit your doctor's office. It can be difficult to know what level of care to seek out.

And that is why so many people in the U.S won't call for help, because emergency care is astronomical. One accident can end up causing you to eventually have to file bankruptcy.

The hospital put the wrong month for my husbands date of birth. We ended up getting a bill for $150k to be told he has covid. Adjusted for our ins. we now owe $250.

This is why you never go to the ER here. Wait and go to a regular doctor unless your dying or a limb is cut off.

Yes - and many people DO fear going to the doctor. And never mind medications! Unless you are incredibly wealthy, one accident or illness could cost you everything. It's absolutely ridiculous and inhumane. I do not understand how we (the US) can be pretty much the only industrialized nation that does not provide health care for its citizens. Mention "socialized medicine" or "universal health care" and many people become almost rabid in their opposition. I have to wonder if it isn't the remnant of very effective brainwashing during the Cold War era (when I grew up also) such that the "S" word (socialism) or gods forbid the "C" word (communism) became the most horrifying things anyone could think of. Ignorance is a terribly sad thing.

Always get travelers medical insurance if visit US. Hospitals often won’t treat foreigners if they don’t have recognized insurance

Looks to be uninsured AND went to the emergency room.

Yeah, if she was insured, she would not be paying this much. I had to go to the hospital and was in there for 2 days. Before insurance, it 7k and after, it was 533. While free is better, this price was much better than 7k. Still, insurance or not and depending on what you are going in for, it may put you in the poorhouse.

Genuinely curious which country you reside?

Well from what I'm told waiting times in countries with universal health care can be just as dangerous.

Sadly that's why many of us Americans don't bother going to the doctor unless we absolutely have to.

Unfortunately, it is. The Veteran's Administration sent me to a civilian hospital for back pain. They billed me instead of the VA by mistake, and the bill was over $24,000.00 for four hours in the ER.

In the EU you might have to wait weeks, or months to learn you have to see a specialist in the U.S., getting there is up to you.

They don't care if you can afford it or not. If they get nasty, they attach your paycheck and collect it that way. Hence, why I request a line by line accounting and make an appointment. Typically I get it reduced by 50% or a little more.

Absolutely US. I just had a stint in the hospital. Waiting for the bill. I will request a line by line invoice and an appointment to reconcile the charges. It's tedious but worth it.

yeah, i nearly cried in relief on the phone yesterday with the billing department at a lab when they told me that they were writing off (i don't have to pay for) the $1900 lab my doctor ordered because my insurance denied the claim and the appeal.

We are also can't take an ambulance since that is not covered so 3 k for a few miles

We have great health insurance here in the USA. Just get a job and don't depend on the nanny state to take care of you.

was it the dollar sign that give it away? lol

Then they would wreck your credit, sue you then garnish your wages.

it takes a whole court process that would cost many thousands more. --- my best friend died from a heart condition that just weeks before was missed by an ER. they charged him $864.35 for two (2) Motrin and discharged him.