the Cost of Emergency Room Visits for Illness

At a mental health appointment I was found to have extremely high blood pressure, 188/105. I was sent directly to the nearest ER to have this treated. There was no one at the sign in desk and no one even spoke with me for about 15 minutes. It was another 30 minutes before anyone checked my vital signs and then nearly four hours passed with no care or assessment whatsoever. I was billed despite deciding not to receive services there. It's not a large amount, but it's a fraud to charge for no treatment and in fact for neglect.

I had docummented severe hypertension and a bad headache and was reasonably worried about stroke. Despite confirming how high my blood pressure was, nothing was done for nearly four hours while I suffered. I was even threatened by another patient who took a dislike to my daughter who came to help me. We went to another ER where I was seen in 10 minutes and treated in 20 minutes. I understand the need to wait for non-emergencies but felt like a real one was ignored by the first hospital. While the cost is small, it is outrageous to be charged for NO service at all.

Take someone with you to an ER to act as both advocate and witness. If you are too miserable to fight for your own rights and health, they can. Also, consider going elsewhere even if somewhat more expensive when the problem is really urgent if you are not being cared for properly and compassionately. And do as I have done and file a care complaint if you have a bad experience.