Posted by sar on September 6, 2001, at 16:21:21
In reply to I'd prefer inpatient, but the cost...., posted by PhoenixGirl on September 6, 2001, at 15:36:52
...i've been twice hospitalised on an emergency basis. the hospitals and EMS have sent me bills that equal about $10,000. they know from history that pych patients can't get their shit enough together to afford this, and my psych-ward comrades told me the bills would probably be forgotten (emergency basis=emergency, they can't turn you down, and if you don't have the money, they can't squeeze it out of you). the american health-care system sucks, it's very expensive, esp for ppl who can't afford it. how the hell is a suicidal depressive supposed to be able to foot a hospital bill of nearly $1000/day? shiiiit...
anyway, i don't have a "real" job, i've a low-paying retail job, and the bills sit on the front table in the hallway. i don't think they'll be chasing me down. from what if read and experienced, there are many many ways to get psychiatric care at a reduced rate or for free. they don't want us psychos runnin 'round! :) anyway, i hope you'll do lots of research...i know that my meds are more important than my tofu + potatoes, they're the only reason i wake up, and if ECT is what you need i'm sure you can find a way...
'cos they must know that someone who needs ECT prally isn't some successful thousand-dollar-a-day Trumpette...
there are many venues. use the internet, the phonebook, all of your investigation skillz. and i would imagine that the hospital allows some sort of payment plan.
thinking of you,
sar
poster:sar
thread:77709
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010902/msgs/78056.html