Reply #9: Now, that's interesting. You've got power, then. [View All]

[knitter4democracy]

Yes, indeedy! Okay, here's the deal. Call the hospital switchboard and ask for the name of the head of the billing department. Send that person a letter explaining everything that's been done to you, everything that's happened, and that you are fairly certain the hospital has been committing fraud (it sounds awfully shady to me, and I know hospitals a bit--Hubby's a doctor). CC that letter to the State AG and the state committee on hospital oversight (every state has one, I believe, and it's often part of the AG office). Make sure the CC is on her letter so that she knows you've reported it.

Not giving itemized bills, even when asked, sending it to collections and then telling you that you shouldn't deal with the collections agency, and not accepting anything less than five grand all smack of fraud to me. How much do you want to bet they accept less than five grand but the office lady pockets the difference? Humph. I've never heard of a number that high. I'd also bet the state has a legal number that they're ignoring.

If you don't hear back (and given your experience, that sounds likely), I'd go right up the chain of command. Start talking with the chief administrative people at the hospital. If that gets you nowhere, then it's time for the state to get involved. I would also put in a complaint with Medicare ( http://www.medicare.gov/FraudAbuse/HowToReport.asp )--I'm sure they don't want an audit. If they're mucking up your bill, I'm sure they're mucking up stuff with Medicare (easier to do).