I got bit, now I'm getting billed!

[lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN]

In April, I was bitten by a resident. It broke the skin and bled, so I went to occupational health to get it fixed up. I didn't know if I should have blood drawn or not, so the nurse called my HR person, who said yes, get the labs done. So I did. Now, all this time later, I get a bill for $179. When I called the billing dept, they said workman's comp was denying my claim. Someone smart, help me out here.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

Call HR and your occupational health nurse and let them know you got the bill. Then send a letter saying that per their requirements you got the test done and expect that they will take care of the bill, and send a letter to the billing agency so they know you aren't stiffing them.

[prmenrs, RN]

It's an on-the-job injury, for pete's sake. Did you walk out of the hospital, ask some passerby to take a bite out of you? How can they deny the claim?

Sheesh

Follow Canoehead's directions. (walks off, muttering to self.....)

[BeachNurse]

Did you get the labs done at the place they use for workman's comp? Usually they have a contracted company they use for workman's comp. My husband had a blood exposure when he worked at the hospital and they sent him to an outside lab to get the blood work. It was all arranged through employee health.

[lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN]

Yes. The company is contracted with the occupational health department of the local hospital. I told the HR lady about it, and she said "Oh, just make a copy of the bill and put it in my box. You won't have to pay for it." A nurse I work with had to get labs done because of a needlestick, and workman's comp refused to pay for it, but the company will. So problem solved. Thanks for your advice all!