August 20, 2012
(This is a letter I wrote to my hospital and an example of
the messy side of chronic illness.
I wrote this bed-ridden and sick and nearly hospitalized. As you can see, it took me from December of 2011 to September of 2012 to clear up this issue. After this relatively curt letter, they waived my bill and that was the end of it. I could have been seriously injured, or hospitalized if I had continued with the instructions I was given originally. And I am forced to go back to the same hospital where those very nurses work every time I am admitted)
To Whom It May Concern:
I
was admitted into OU Medical Center Hospital at Presbyterian Tower from
December 21st to the 29th. I had a central line inserted into my chest so that I could
receive IV medications at home. I
was released with specific instructions on how to care for the tubes and how to
give myself IV antibiotics through it.
However upon attempting to use my tube, I found that the instructions I
had received were incomplete and possibly incorrect.
After getting in contact with a home care nurse consultant and the
doctor who released me from the hospital, I was told to come into the emergency
room for assistance.
On December 31st of
2011, I went to the emergency room.
I brought my own supplies and IV medication with me. I was consulted by a dialysis nurse who
came from a different floor. She explained how to use the tube correctly. She confirmed that the instructions I
had been given were incomplete and gave me the correct method of using the
tube. Upon leaving, as I had
received NO treatment from the emergency room, the Doctor on duty said he would
waive charges for us. He explained
if I get charged, to talk to billing and the charge would be lifted.
To reiterate, I was in the
emergency room for the sole reason that a nurse from Presbyterian Tower had
given me incomplete directions for my home care. Because of this, I am contesting this charge.
I had the charge waived from the
physician’s bill. However I am
still being charged for a $100 copay that I was told would be lifted. I have enclosed the letter I received
stating the charge was waived. I have
now been sent to collections for this charge. I would like to resolve this matter.
Thank you,
Tonia Sina Ellis
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