Loris Community Hosptial N. Myrtle Beach, SC

Loris Community Hosptial N. Myrtle Beach, SC

September 6, 2005

In May I had surgery, and was given an estimate for the procedure. The day before the procedure, I went in for pre-op., and was told that the procedure would cost $3500.00.

My insurance required that I pay a 10% co-pay, so I wrote the hospital a check for $350.00.

After it was all said and done, the bill came to $6000.00, and I recieved a bill for an additional $300.00. I've called the hospital to ask how this could this procedure run so much over the estimate. The woman I spoke with just kept telling me that she would send me an itemized bill, which she did.

After recieving the bill, I contacted the insurance company. The woman that I spoke with there said that the hospital was an in network provider, so all the charges must be ok. They have paid everything with the exception of the remaining 10% that I am required to pay.

As a consumer, I do not feel that this is good business. After all, that is what the medical profession is, a business. I was not made aware that anything out of the ordinary was found. I realize that the doctor can not wake me up in regards to extra money that they must spend in order for him to do his job on me. Please give me a break. An estimate is just an estimate. This procedure almost cost double. I'm just not sure how to understand how this could happen.

Is there any advise you can give me on how to negotiate my remaining 10%. I just don't want to overpay. Can it be that since I have insurance they can inflate the prices to bring in more money for the hospital?

Thanks,

Melanie Click this link to e-mail the message author: Email User