Can someone explain how charging for ER "facilities" and ER "physician services" works?

Prepare your anus when the bill comes

It's fricked up.

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Don't forget radiology and pathology.

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Yeah, further down the rabbit hole is that the same setup applies for most imaging and some labs, which can lead to additional bills from each group whose reimbursement is made directly to the consumer who is usually unaware of the cost.

Then an admission results in an additional physicians's fee.

Facility charges versus professional charges.

I am starting to think healthcare is just one big scam.

I don't have an answer to your question, but a few years ago I had a gallbladder attack and was taken to the ER by ambulance and got a bill from Acadian for $10k. I called and was told that's what I had to pay, etc. Someone who had a similar experience told me to call insurance.. After a few more calls, I called them back and told them what insurance said, etc they tell me "oh okay. I see it right here your balance is only $12.00".

A few months later, they sent me the same bill showing I owed them $10k. Called them back and told them that on this day I talked to this person and it was taken care of. I asked them why did a receive another bill, they gave me some bullshite answer and never received one after that.

I really don't know how it all works, but I am sure the insurance companies pay less than what it would cost for a consumer to pay out of pocket, but even if insurance would pay half of $10k.. That's a lot of fricking money for that particular service.

I've heard stories of families breaking apart because of a 50k helicopter ride to a hospital 10 miles away, on top of the hospital and doctor bills. I'm sorry, but if any industry requires reform and government monitoring it's auxiliary medical services like ambulance rides and ER facilities.

It's price gouging and taking advantage of people during desperate times...no different then gas stations charging $50/gallon for gas to people desperately trying to get their family out of harms way during times of crisis

It's just another part of the arse pounding we take from the insurance industry, too. I pay through the nose for health insurance to cover for all the deadbeats who don't carry any, yet run to the ER anytime they or one of their far too many children have a runny nose because they know that they can't be denied treatment. They pay zero, and we absorb the cost of their treatment.

Those helicopters are at least a few million each. They also require a nurse, EMT, and at least one pilot to be just sitting at their base daily waiting on a call. If you add up fuel, insurances, and other cost, then I can see where 20k to 30k isn't that outlandish. I'm sure those companies are making good money, but given the service they render, it doesn't seem that absurd.

You got an ambulance bill for $10k? Did they pick you up in Nebraska and bring you to the Lake in BR?

Dogs don't can't afford 100k though.