What to do about an unjust and unauthorized hospital bill?
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What to do about an unjust and unauthorized hospital bill?
My 16 year old daughter went to a hospital saying that she thought she was pregnant. This is clearly not live threatening. The hospital did some tests on her without contacting me and now want me to pay the bill over $10,000. Is that legal? I could have send her to see her doctor and only pay the co-pay.
Asked on December 29, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, Florida
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You need to contact the accounts receivables department with the hospital that sent you the bill for the treatment of your 16 year old daughter. Most likely she went to the emergency room for treatment. Under the law of all states in this country, hospital personnel cannot legally turn away a person needing medical assistance from the emergency department.
I suggest that you have a face to face meeting with your daughter as to what happened and the treatment that she received. Unless your minor daughter is an emancipated minor, her parents are legally responsible for the bills she incurs under state law.
If you have medical insurance for her, I suggest that you place your insurer on notice about the bill.
From what you have written, I see nothing improper by the hospital concerning the treatment your daugter received.
I recommend that you consult with an attorney practicing health care law.
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