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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by hrtlm on December 12, 2001, at 20:23:43
im confused and dont what else to do - i desperately need help
if im in crisis, does a hospital have to take me, even if i cant pay? and if i cant pay, do i still get billed and get my credit ruined for non-payment?
im just about at the end of my rope - the pain is getting to be absolutely unbearable
Posted by Sourceror on December 12, 2001, at 23:09:50
In reply to does a hospital have to take me?, posted by hrtlm on December 12, 2001, at 20:23:43
Most hospitals that I know of have some sort of program that if you meet certain income levels that the care is free or at least reduced to a level that should be managable for you. I have been in the hospital a few times and didn't have insurance and the program paid for my entire bill. The best bet is to call the hospital billing dept. and ask them if any such plan exists. Good luck.
L8R,
The Sourceror
Posted by hrtlm on December 12, 2001, at 23:16:58
In reply to Re: does a hospital have to take me?, posted by Sourceror on December 12, 2001, at 23:09:50
so do i call a regular hospital that may have a "psych" ward or do i go for a center that specializes in treatment of depression?
> Most hospitals that I know of have some sort of program that if you meet certain income levels that the care is free or at least reduced to a level that should be managable for you. I have been in the hospital a few times and didn't have insurance and the program paid for my entire bill. The best bet is to call the hospital billing dept. and ask them if any such plan exists. Good luck.
>
> L8R,
> The Sourceror
Posted by hrtlm on December 13, 2001, at 21:05:30
In reply to another question, posted by hrtlm on December 12, 2001, at 23:16:58
:-(
> so do i call a regular hospital that may have a "psych" ward or do i go for a center that specializes in treatment of depression?
>
>
> > Most hospitals that I know of have some sort of program that if you meet certain income levels that the care is free or at least reduced to a level that should be managable for you. I have been in the hospital a few times and didn't have insurance and the program paid for my entire bill. The best bet is to call the hospital billing dept. and ask them if any such plan exists. Good luck.
> >
> > L8R,
> > The Sourceror
Posted by cmcdougall on December 14, 2001, at 8:37:00
In reply to Noone else hasANYinformation/experiences to share?, posted by hrtlm on December 13, 2001, at 21:05:30
I know that if you go to the emergency room of a public hospital in any city in the US, they have to treat you regardless of your ability to pay. If you are suicidal, it is mandatory that the hospital keep you under observation for 72 hours (I think - I may be wrong on the amount of time).
I was recently in the psych ward (2 months ago) and I know there were many people in group with me that had no money or insurance. Yes, the hospital does bill you, but as long as you make regular payments, even $20 per month, it shouldn't hurt your credit.
Good luck.
Posted by Sourceror on December 14, 2001, at 22:02:54
In reply to I do...., posted by cmcdougall on December 14, 2001, at 8:37:00
Sorry I haven't replied sooner but I've been having a rough time of it as well. I know for sure that the regular hospital has a program like that but I would try calling a hospital that is more mental health oriented first to see what types of assistance financially that they may have.
L8R,
The Sourceror
Posted by KB on December 15, 2001, at 8:17:04
In reply to does a hospital have to take me?, posted by hrtlm on December 12, 2001, at 20:23:43
Hospitals cannot turn someone whose life is in jeopardy away. Generally speaking, hospitals are very motivated to help you get whatever benefits like medicaid, SSI/SSD you may be eligible for because they know that if they don't they won't get paid. hospitals are also usually willing to negotiate a long-term payment plan. Public Hospitals, like Bellevue here in NYC, are used to people who can't pay.
This is the end of the thread.
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