stupidity of hospital bureaocracy (vent)

[daisysn2001]

I work for a large hospital system. I have had back pain for years and have scoliosis. I had surgery on 10/12 and something happened that they were no longer getting spinal cord readings. So off to the ICU I went and they finished the surgery 10/14. Don't get me wrong the doctors including residents as well as nurses were awesome during my stay. Not that I remember anythin between 10/12 and 10/16;) I woke up with no feeling on the right side of my body. I stayed at the hospital for a week and half before they sent me to a rehabe center which I spent another almost a full 5or6 weeks at. I just wonder about Billing departments. They send out these nasty letters trying to scare the hell out of you 10/14 and a bill that is 30 days past due of 77,000. When I called the insurance company with questions they were nice and very helpful. When I called the hospital billing office of the system that I have worked for 10 years and try to ask questions the lady goes into defense mode. She wanted one piece of paper and I told her that was fine I would be more than happy to aske the insurance company to send her a copy or if she wanted it faxed to give me a number it that would be better for her. Her comment you just don't get it do you we have been trying to get the form from the insurance company for 27 days and was unable so this is probably going to be your problem. her piece of paper UMMMM maybe wasn't filled out because I was because I was in rehab learning to walk and use my writing hand again. Believe me I enjoyed eating hospital food all that time. The best meal was my TPN So then I asked if she would like my badge number so she could put on my hospital account and I would like to pay her in 50$ a paycheck. I think I heard her jaw drop and all the sudden she became nice and wanted to help in anyway she could. I got my questions answered and then before letting her off the phone gave her some advice. Next time you answer that phone think about it being one of her family members and remember how you would want them treated and hung up. I just don't get it. we all have tough jobs in healthcare from billing to housekeeping to case management along with the greatest gifts of all to hospitals us nurses. Even on a bad night with a bad patient I still try to remember to ask my self if that was your grandfather or your mother in there how would you want them treated. It just seems like no one has any common courtesy these days. Happy Holidays to the lady that rushed by me because to void and the handicaped toilet was all that was available. Did I mention I am in a wheelchair? I am sorry I wrote a novel but I needed to vent and thought you guys might understand. Really Happy Holidays to all may all your Holiday wishes come true:loveya:

Sarah

[StNeotser, ASN, RN]

I am very sorry for the way you were treated and it does seem to be that all anyone cares about anymore is money. We will lose our humanity this way if this social trend doesn't stop. People seem to be running around in all directions out for number 1 without stopping for a second to realize what they are doing.

I wish you all the very best, and hope that you recover well. Happy Holidays to you! :)

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I have to say I know that the billing dept is one of the least "liked" due to their job, however I know where I work they can be so nasty. I mean some patients get dismissed for like $50.00.. That's insane to me! To lose that patient and all of the bad rep we get for $50. Other patients have over $3,000 balance and they can make $5.00 a month payments. It is all about who gets assigned to your account.. :angryfire

[mlclove]

Wow. Just wanted to say that I'm sorry for how you were treated. It really is a shame how people treat eachother anymore. Wish you all the best in your recovery.