Alot of Times Doctors Bite
By ShawnBoB
@ShawnBoB (215)
United States
September 13, 2007 2:12pm CST
Ok we'll heres how it goes. I been battling Depression & Anxiety for about 4 years now. About 6 months ago my girlfriend to whom I was engaged to left me. Mainly because when I get Depressed I get upset and a little mean or when my Anxiety took over, I would just get plain out mean.
I decided to go get help and being without a job at the time I had to goto a Free Clinic. When I go there they tell me there is nothing they can do to help and Refer me to the local hospitals Mental Health Clinic. I say ok and and make plans of going there.
So when I get to the Mental Health Clinic my hearts racing and I am pouring cold sweats. When I go back to talk to the doctor, she ask me all kinds of questions. After answering them she tells me she would like for me to goto the main Hospital for a urine test. I ask her how much it will cost and she tells me $50.00. I explained to her about me not having a job for the time being, so she told me it will be billed to me. We'll while going to take the test I look on the form and see 'Alcohol & Medicine' for the test description. Thats a little rude judgment.
All in all I haven't went back because of the test they put me through, it doesn't make sense. So when I opened the mail-box today (9/13/07) I have a letter in the mail from the Hospital. She was right... they billed me. Just not for $50.00... try $160 if payed by 10/03/07, but if not by then I will have to pay $190. This whole situation put me in more of a depressed mode. So I decided when I get a job just to go PAY to see a regular Doctor who will actually provide help.
Has anyone had experiences like this with the hospital system or doctors of clinics?
3 people like this
4 responses
@wishingclouds (18)
• Canada
13 Sep 07
Ouch! Just a test for that much???
I am a Canadian citizen, all expenses medical are covered by the government, in cost of high taxes. But hey, what's more important? 20% of your paycheck or your life?
Consider moving to Canada, for your future.
@ShawnBoB (215)
• United States
13 Sep 07
I heard of that before, and I really really want to move to Canada. Especially if the whole 'Smoke Shops' and 'Pot Shops' are still legal. That would be the best place for me to have a job :-P. Just ain't got the expenses to make that far a move, look for a place to stay, and look for a job. Trust me though it's a dream.
1 person likes this
@alstaxidermy (269)
• United States
13 Sep 07
I've been through this more than my fair share of time some with and some without insurance!! One incident in particular....I went to the er because I KNEW I had something going on wrong, had been through it before, they told me it was all in my head, sent me home, never got the results of my tests, and two days later I was having surgery at another hospital to fix it because I WAS RIGHT!! well...surprise surprise, but the er is STILL trying to bill me for saying I was okay and to go home and it has been three years now! I don't care what they do to my credit over it, but they'll never see a dime, even told me my insurance covered everything and I had no co pay when I left that night! I think more and more medical professionals are just in it for the money and not to actually make people well from illness.
1 person likes this
@ShawnBoB (215)
• United States
13 Sep 07
I agree with you on 'more medical professionals are just in it for the money'. Worst thing is... thats all I got was a Bill. Not even a copy of the results, but I should feel lucky. If I got a copy of the results they probably would of put another $10 on the bill just for the one sheet of paper.
2 people like this
@jend80 (2071)
• United Kingdom
13 Sep 07
this makes the National Health System and people being sent away with anti-depression medication and no other help because of the costs of getting people decent therepy, look good.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
14 Sep 07
More than once I have had experiences like this. It is Sad that the system is like this, and even if you have a Job and Medical Insurance they are like this as well. Sometimes if you call and explain your situation this will help to where it is taken care of easier, and a payment plan worked out.
I wish you the Best, and remember this is not the end. Sometimes what it might take is making yourself a plan of Action what you want to do for work, and accomplish in your life, and then go from there. Wishing you the best.
@ShawnBoB (215)
• United States
14 Sep 07
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I know it's not the end, just sometimes harder to start. I have tried explaining my situation though and not much help came out of it... just a recommendation to 'deep tissue massage' which I was told cost quite a pretty penny :-\
1 person likes this
