Jackson Heights Life

Last year, I walked in to Elmhurst Hospital because I was feeling a bit cold for a while and at that time, people were talking about Swine Flu and I just wanted to make sure I am ok. 
I walked in there and waited for a few hours.  And finally when I saw the doctor, he did some checking and he said "you are fine".  It took about 3 minutes for all the checking and there was no subscription for pill or anything.

A few month later, I received the bill which was $777.70.  At that time, I couldn't afford to have a good health insurance and it has a high deductible and it didn't cover any of $777.70.  So, I am supposed to pay $777 for the 3 minutes checking. 

is this normal??  I contacted the hospital and checked the amount and they said it is correct.
It is hard to believe that all the people I saw in the hospital waiting room are at least paying $777 if you don't have a health insurance since mine should be one of the simplest treatment I got from a doctor.

I am not from this country and I know that health care in this country is so expensive compared to the rest of the world.  But still to me, this is outrageously expensive.  Is there anything I can do for this?  I would appreciate your advice.

You should not go to the hospital with a small complaint like that.  If you suspect you have the flu, or if whatever seems to be wrong is not an emergency,  go to any M.D. in the neighborhood - and there are several.  It will take less time and be far less expensive.

I agree it's insane. They are all crooks, from the doctors on up.
What else can you expect from a third world country hospital?

Thank you for some advices.

I am glad to know it is not just me to think $777 for just 3 minutes of simple service is outrageous.
I will call Diane L. Wasenius tomorrow and will post it here about what happen again.

You should never go to the hospital emergency room unless it is an actual emergency!  It's the most expensive.  The emergency room is designed to help people who need immediate treatment for things like a heart attack or a car accident. 

I'm sorry you were charged almost $800 for your visit, but I'm not surprised.

Marlene, I tried to call Diane L. Wasenius, but they said she no longer works there.
I guess I have to file a complain to the state.  Could you kindly teach me what is the procedure?

I didn't mean to go to emergency room.  I just went to the hospital and ask where to go since I was feeling cold.
So, it is normal to charge over $700 for 3 minutes of service if it is in emergency room in this country??
That's crazy and this country doesn't have the universal health care yet.  So, how can the poor get health care when needed???

Go directly to the hospital and directly to the patient relations office with your complaint.

Best,

My insurance covered my recent visit there as well, though also to note was the ambulance ride was NOT COVERED until I made a call to my carrier.  They had me pay it ($900 for a 5 block ride), and reimbursed me about $730 of it in a check.  So sometimes you may be to work with your carriers (where applicable for those that have) if the hospital is unhelpful.

The NYC Department of Health website is not very helpful for searching for walk-in clinics. I did find this one, though:

Corona Health Center
34-33 Junction Blvd.
Queens, New York 11372
Btwn: 34th Avenue & 34th Road

I can't find much information about it, though. They offer immunizations and std services. They don't even have a website in this day in age. Amazing. If people don't know about it, how are they supposed to get the funding they probably need?

There's also:
Community Health Care Network
Queens Health Center
97-04 Sutphin Blvd
Jamaica, NY 11435
http://www.chnnyc.org/locations/queens/

More information can be found at the Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/hia/html/home/home.shtml