Did you know a less severe heart attack costs $760, 000

[leftyladyfrommo]

in this country.

I had a weird episode that I thought might be a heart attack. I considered going to the ER but I knew what an ordeal that would be since I had done it once before. That time I had a bunch if tests, had to stay overnight for observation and more tests in the morning. I did not have a heart attack. I had muscle spasms.

Total cost was about $13,000.

A friend had chest pains. Same routine. $13, 000 for a panic attack.

I didn't have the test where they run a tube through the groin to ck for blockages. You know that would be several thousand more.

So I looked up how much a real heart attack costs. This would be tests , surgery. Hospital stay and drugs.

$760,000 for a mild attack.

Not so good for people with lousy insurance. Impossible for no insurance. Absolutely ridiculous for everyone.

[Newest Reality]

1. And much hardship and even bankruptcy for many...

It is like a big mosquito sucking people dry. In this case, the parasite does not kill the host, necessarily, but the host, and its assets, die from complications.

[bigbrother05]

2. Had a stent done in 2012 totaled about $100K

Woke up with what felt like muscle pain in the middle of my chest. Had mowed the yard the previous day, but had an uneasy feeling about the location. Went to the ER and within 1 hr had a stent implaced for a 90% blockage. Stayed overnight. Lucky for me the hospital I went to was a primary cardio site that was setup to do what I needed.

The hospital cost was ~$90K and the rest is my estimate for the doctor, etc. Think my out of pocket was about $700 (BC/BS Federal).

Not sure what a similar procedure would cost if it was scheduled instead of via ER or the cost today.

[leftyladyfrommo]

5. I had a friend just had that done.

But she knew it was bad. She felt awful and had all the other symptoms - pain, anxiety. shortness of breath, weakness. And she drove herself to the hospital and then collapsed.

It wouldn't be bad if you knew you had to have the procedures. But to pay $13,000 for a panic attack is a bit much.

[unc70]

3. Where did you get that number?

I know a heart attack is relatively expensive, but $760,000 seems way out of line with my experience. Curious where you looked up that cost.

[leftyladyfrommo]

4. Just googled it. Was from a story by CBS News

But you know it's not uncommon to hear about million dollar hospital stays any more.

Even if it was $100 000 it would be totally out of reach for most people. That would 2 years salary for people earning an average salary.

They tell you to go directly to the ER. Don't wait. Call 911.

I have no answers.

[leftyladyfrommo]

6. The $760 000 was over a lifetime. Not just one

incident.