I fainted

[AragornSkywalker]

So I went to give flu shots today 6 weeks into the new semester. It was only suppose to take 2 hours. I had a busy morning before I went to the hospital. I didnt eat much, didnt drink much, plus I have low BP to begin with. After standing almost motionless in a closet-sized room for 30 minutes, i fainted. I began feeling dizzy while administering a shot, but I wanted to power through it. I did, and then fell to the ground.

Ended up going to the ER for an EKG to rule out dysrhymmias, but after waiting 5 hours, I left AMA. Didnt even stick around for EKG results cause it woulda taken who knows how many more hours.

So ya, crappy day. Though I got a firsthand experience of how much it sucks to be an ER patient.

[TampaTech]

This is what I know about ins. When a pt leaves AMA 99% of insurance will not cover the costs of any services rendered during that particualr time. Atleast this is what I have been told a few times. I would imagine that even during a shift or clinical rotation the same thing would apply, even if you were staff or student. Im sorry that you passed out though dude. It might have been from standing so long and not moving coupled with the fact your knees might have been locked the whole time. That can cause someone to faint. I know this because I have seen it happen.

[AragornSkywalker]

Well, I called the hospital and the billing person didnt see AMA on it anywhere. So I filed a claim in the meantime, guess ill find out what happens.

How long do these usually take?

[AragornSkywalker]

I got another bill from the hospital for the same amount, as well as a voicemail telling me to call them back. I guess the claim was rejected. Getting it right before the holidays, awesome.

It annoys me. The CNA that assessed me was the one that told me to the ER. I asked him about insurance and fees and he said I would probably be covered since I was technically working there. He tried to get me to skip the line, but couldn't. I know his intentions were good, but I can't help but begrudge him for this whole thing. I know its unfair to him, but I really wish he would have just done nothing. 700$ for waiting 5 hours and a 2 minute EKG. How am I not suppose to feel embittered and disillusioned by the very industry I am entering?

[K.P.A.]

See if you can learn the negotiated settlement for ER service that some of the insurance companies pay. You can probably talk them down to the same amount. That said, if you are in the middle of a MI, $700 is a bargain to find out and get headed in the right direction. BTDT.

[AragornSkywalker]

Im 18 and in good health. My odds of getting a MI are as good as getting hit by a bus. My nursing instructor says that the hospital can reduce it by 50% if I offer to pay in cash, I hope she is right.

[AragornSkywalker]

Update: my insurance actually covered most of it surprisingly. I am using united healthcare NSNA, and they covered it besides the 50$ co-pay and another 54$ for some reason. 104$ for a 650$ bill is a victory for me. Life lesson still learned.