Expert: Michael Brotherton - 10/25/2007

Question
My brother was in a pool training how to surf in college. He suddenly felt ill in the pool, took in some water, was taken out of the pool. 911 was called. He felt fine minutes later. The ambulance came and insisted that he should go to the hospital to get himself checked. My brother was back to normal at the  time so he refused.  The ambulance crew persisted so my brother eventually agreed to go, not realizing that it could cost him money out of his own pocket(he had no health insurance). He stayed at the hospital for a little bit more than an hour and left because they couldn't find anything wrong with him.  Weeks later, the hospital sent him a big bill of $995. I think this is outrageous. Doesn't the hospital have the responsibility to tell the people without health insurance how much it's going to cost them before sending them to the hospital in non-life threatening situations? The ambulance crew was persistent trying to get my brother to go to the hospital but didn't mention how much it could potentially cost him. Isn't this sort of an entrapment? I believe this is unfair practice. Can my brother dispute this medical bill? What can he do? What is the ramification for not paying the bill? Any help is greatly appreciated.

R/
Ken

Answer
I am afraid they can charge him for the ambulance ride and the hospital visit. You may attempt to sue them in small claims court and let the judge decide but I have my doubts whether it would go your way. I agree that it is outrageous for them to work this way but it is the way things work. If he doesn't pay it they can sue him and potentially garnishee his pay check.