Orlando Health - Dr. P. Phillips Hospital Orlando Regional Healthcare Systems - Dr. P. Phillips Hospital Paying 5 times more for MRI diagnotic procedures to a non-profit Hospital Orlando Florida
In march 2008 I had the misfortune of being sent to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital in Orlando Florida for 2 MRI scans. My primary care physician suspected that I had kidney stones, after coming to her office in severe pain with a high fever. She referred me to this particular Hospital and sent me there for immediate scans. I should have known better, but when you are in pain and looking for help you just don't think straight. I had 2 scans performed, one of the abdomen and pelvis. I then went home and waited for my doctor to call me with results. It turned out I had kidney stones and a partial blockage.
Imagine my surprise when I received 2 bills from Orlando Regional Heathcare Systems, the parent company that owns several Hospitals in Orlando for $ 5058 for the 2 scans and an additional $ 1075 for reading of the scans. My insurance company paid $ 500 and I was asked to pay the remainder after "adjustments" of $ 1011.60. My balance due was $ 3546 on one bill and $ 612 on another.
I then called around and asked for quotes at other facilities in Orlando for the same procedures. I was quoted anywhere from $ 500 per scan to $ 1700 per scan at another Hospital.
I have attempted to negotiate this bill with ORHS several times. I have contacted my local congressman. They are unwilling to reduce the bills. They have offered me a payment plan to make payments over time, but they have refused to reduce the bill to more customary levels for the area. I was told that they "survey" other national Hospitals and try and stay in line with charges at other national Hospitals. They are not concerned with being competitive in Orlando with other facilities here.
I understand that a Hospital should charge more for services than an outpatient imaging facility, as they have higher overhead. However, should they be justified in charging 5 times as much? I don't think so and I sincerely hope I can find an attorney or consumer help group that can assist me in fighting these ridiculous charges. I have paid this Hospital over $ 2000 so far for procedures that should have cost no more than $ 1000 total and I still owe them $ 2700 more.
Can someone help stop this NON-profit Hospital from charging paying customers for all the non paying customers they treat?
Dc
Orlando, Florida
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Beth
kokomo,Indiana,
U.S.A.
Problems with your story
#2Consumer Comment
Fri, November 05, 2010
First of all, as the patient, it is YOUR responsibility to verify the cost & coverage of your diagnostic tests. YOU should have called for prices BEFORE the scans were done. You can't do it afterwards & then expect to change what you're charged!
Whomever told you that you could get an MR for $500 was seriously mistaken. MRIs start around $1500 & go up from there. The radiologist's fees are a % based on the cost of the actual scan.
For kidney stones, an abdomen & pelvis MRI was total overkill. The dr that ordered that should be educated on diagnostic imaging. Abdomen/Pelvis MRIs are not routinely done, as they are in CT. All you needed was a quick renal stone CT....
& get used to it... those of us with insurance that pay our premiums, deductibles, copays, etc... we will be chased relentlessly to pay up due to all the lifetime medicaid-ers out there..