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ER visit

September 29th, 2011 at 08:13 pm

Lucky us, we got to visit the ER today. My poor husband woke me up at 5am because he was in pain and couldn’t take it anymore. He’s the kind of guy that never needs to go to the doctor, and will never want to unless it’s bad. The on call doc said to go in and not wait.

I was really impressed with the ER service, and we got in right away (which totally dispelled my wait forever belief). After an IV, blood tests, urine test, shot of pain meds, and a CT scan, we found out he has a kidney stone. Poor fellow.

Now that I’ve had a nap and time to process what happened (I’m not a morning person), I’m starting to think about what this is going to cost me. We have a high deductible plan ($5400), and I only have $3000 in my EF. I’ve read that an ER visit for a kidney stone can cost from $500 to $10,000. Anyone have a better estimate for me so I don’t go into sticker shock when I finally get the bills?

Oh, and is September over yet?

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments »

8 Responses to “ER visit”

  1. MonkeyMama Says:
    September 29th, 2011 at 08:26 pm 1317327967
    1317327967

    I'd think a CT Scan would cost thousands.

    We have a $3000 deductible, and I pretty much figure the minute you go to emergency, the deductible is MAXED OUT. I don't know if we had any scans, but MRIs cost us about $2,000. We've had a few of those, lately. & of course, that varies by plan and hospital, etc. That is just what they charge us. We are in high-cost area if that helps you feel better.

    Sorry to hear - hope he is feeling better.

  2. scottish girl Says:
    September 29th, 2011 at 08:29 pm 1317328173
    1317328173

    Oh no! Hope he's okay.
    If you lived here, September would be over soooner.
    Does your high deductible mean that you don't have to pay for the first $5400 of the bill?

  3. CB in the City Says:
    September 29th, 2011 at 09:04 pm 1317330273
    1317330273

    A few weeks ago I went to the ER with back pain (it was fluid outside the lung). The total cost for consultation, emergency care, labs and two cat scans was $9872. That was before insurance kicked in. My portion was $729, which has been strung out among five invoices. I'm pretty sure your visit will max out your deductible. I'm in the Chicago metro area.

  4. TarWalker Says:
    September 29th, 2011 at 11:54 pm 1317340497
    1317340497

    Thanks for the answers. Sigh. Unfortunately, that’s what I was afraid of. It looks like my EF will be wiped out and I best find a way to start saving for the remaining amount I don’t have. I sure hope I can negotiate a payment plan so it doesn't go poof-gone right away. I guess its our year to get all the medical tests we need done.

    @scottishgirl – the deductible is something we have to pay before insurance kicks in and covers the remaining. I’ve paid $600 so far, so maximum I have to pay is $4800 this year. But it all starts over again January 1st.

  5. patientsaver Says:
    September 30th, 2011 at 02:07 am 1317348456
    1317348456

    Using ER for healthcare is extremely expensive, whatever the reason for your visit. Next time if there's any way possible, try to see a doc instead of ER. I know it's not always possible, but just saying...

  6. CB in the City Says:
    September 30th, 2011 at 12:28 pm 1317385708
    1317385708

    In my case, I called my doctor and she sent me to the ER. (But I was recovering from my ruptured appendix so nothing could be taken for granted.) Sounds like TarWalker's doctor made the same call.

  7. TarWalker Says:
    September 30th, 2011 at 03:55 pm 1317398122
    1317398122

    @Patientsaver - We would have tried to see the doctor, but that was 3+hours wait even if we could get in right away, his pain (among other symptoms) was getting worse, and the on-call doctor said to go to the ER. We listened to the doctor. Was it the right choice? Maybe, maybe not. How does one know? It's a tough call.

  8. scottish girl Says:
    September 30th, 2011 at 06:04 pm 1317405869
    1317405869

    I hope they let you work out a payment plan.
    I would have listened to the doctor's advice too.

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