Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Florida

I went to the Emergency Room b/c I had a migraine. I went b/c my left arm and left side of my face went numb. The doctor "whom barely did anything" asked me to put my arms up then down, then asked me if I wanted a catscan. My first question was well how much are they b/c I do not have any medical insurance. Her answer was "around a thousand or so". So I am thinking she should know this answer, so I based my decision on what she said, and she knew I was reluctant b/c I knew it would be hard to pay off. But I thought I would get through it. Later on my bill shows up and the catscan is $2,500. I would have never gotten it at that price, scared or not, not the mention the $600 doctor fee. Is there any law on patient's rights?


Asked on 7/18/10, 9:35 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jane-Robin Wender Wender Law, P.A.

There is a law on patient rights but it doesn't cover your problem. The doctor was the wrong person to ask. Doctor's in emergency rooms don't do billings and the cost of each procedure differs based upon whether there is private insurance coverage, medicare coverage or cash. You should have asked the business office. The hospital is not bound by what the doctor said. With that said, most times if you call the hospital and tell them you are not going to be able to pay, they will sometimes accept 50 or 60 cents on the dollar.

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Answered on 7/21/10, 7:58 pm


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