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These are the people who are running our "Federal Healthcare"
In a recent tweet opens in a new tab or window that resonated with many, I shared my startling encounter with an unexpected medical bill of nearly $5,000 (originally $10,000). The incident shed light on a widespread issue that countless Americans face when grappling with the labyrinthine and often bewildering U.S. healthcare system.
My Run-In With the Emergency Department
While attending a conference in Arizona in January, I embarked on a popular hike up the renowned Camelback Mountain. Unfortunately, mirroring the experiences of many who preceded me, I underestimated the effects of the dry desert air and mid-day temperature. I consequently found myself dizzy and dehydrated, necessitating an emergency department visit. During my visit, I received three bags of IV fluids, two rounds of blood tests, and one X-ray -- and 6 weeks later, an array of medical charges approaching $10,000. Despite my insurance company negotiating it down to $4,800, the onus of the entire amount still fell on me due to my high-deductible health plan (HDHP).
When I contested the seemingly exorbitant charges (even after they had been negotiated down) with the health system, I was met with the response that their fees were legally sound and consistent with charges for all their patients.
This ordeal underscores a harsh reality: Millions of Americans face unforeseen out-of-pocket expenses, but few can shoulder such a burden. This contributes to medical debt or time out of work for medical issues being a factor in 66% of all bankruptcies
opens in a new tab or window in the U.S. My personal experience builds on a national discourse regarding the imperative for enhanced transparency in healthcare pricing and safeguarding patients from the specter of surprise medical bills.
[EXTERNAL LINK] - Opinion | I'm a Former Surgeon General and I Couldn't Believe My $10k Medical Bill
In a recent tweet opens in a new tab or window that resonated with many, I shared my startling encounter with an unexpected medical bill of nearly $5,000 (originally $10,000). The incident shed light on a widespread issue that countless Americans face when grappling with the labyrinthine and often bewildering U.S. healthcare system.
My Run-In With the Emergency Department
While attending a conference in Arizona in January, I embarked on a popular hike up the renowned Camelback Mountain. Unfortunately, mirroring the experiences of many who preceded me, I underestimated the effects of the dry desert air and mid-day temperature. I consequently found myself dizzy and dehydrated, necessitating an emergency department visit. During my visit, I received three bags of IV fluids, two rounds of blood tests, and one X-ray -- and 6 weeks later, an array of medical charges approaching $10,000. Despite my insurance company negotiating it down to $4,800, the onus of the entire amount still fell on me due to my high-deductible health plan (HDHP).
When I contested the seemingly exorbitant charges (even after they had been negotiated down) with the health system, I was met with the response that their fees were legally sound and consistent with charges for all their patients.
This ordeal underscores a harsh reality: Millions of Americans face unforeseen out-of-pocket expenses, but few can shoulder such a burden. This contributes to medical debt or time out of work for medical issues being a factor in 66% of all bankruptcies
opens in a new tab or window in the U.S. My personal experience builds on a national discourse regarding the imperative for enhanced transparency in healthcare pricing and safeguarding patients from the specter of surprise medical bills.
[EXTERNAL LINK] - Opinion | I'm a Former Surgeon General and I Couldn't Believe My $10k Medical Bill
