My visit to the ER yesterday [View all]

[CatWoman]

I had to go for treatment because my blood pressure was near stroke level.

I work for a govt. organization that employs primarily health care professionals. One of them looked me over, took my pulse and blood pressure and strongly urged I go to the emergency room.

I wanted to drive myself or have someone drive me to the VA hospital, but my boss insisted they call an ambulance. The ambulance drivers couldn't take me to the VA, as they were not accepting any more emergencies (I forgot the term they used for that).

After 5 hours in the ER, they got my pressure under control and then the bullshit began.

Before I could check out (and have my drivers license and insurance card returned), I had to go to financial services to discuss my bill and payment arrangements. My part of the bill was over $500 (not including the ambulance).

And before they would discuss payment arrangements with me, I had to give them $100.

What's wrong with this picture?

I kept thinking back to all those selfish fucks with the "hands off my government medicare" signs during the AHCA debates.

And I can't help but wonder what they would have done (the hospital) if I didn't cough up the immediate $100?