My visit to the ER yesterday

[1983law]

48. How so?

An ER is what it is. There is no prior patient-physician relationship at the time one walks in. Thus, no billing records/information, and no way to verify or ensure payment will be received.

I am NOT harping on a patient's (or the OP) questioning the propriety of a provider requesting financial information or even demanding payment while they are still at the hospital. I get that. But what are the alternatives? Free medical treatment? Bill the patient later and hope it gets paid?

Now, if the issue is that it costs too much, or there are two different sets of billing, then that is a great discussion to have. I have plenty of personal experience there because I work closely with folks and providers trying to have their medical bills reduced.