Several years ago while on vacation I went to the ER for an infection. When I got my bill I noticed a charge for 422.00 for “self-administerable drugs” for 2 Levaquin 500mg which I took by mouth. I went to our Director of nursing and asked what the facility pharmacy would charge for the meds. She called and got the quote—ten dollars.
I calmed myself and called the hospital billing department, reminding myself I would be talking to a clerk who had nothing to do with the actual bill.
After she pulled up my bill, I asked about the charge and she just said yes, that was the correct charge.
“You charge 422 dollars for a 30 year-old medication that’s been off patent for over 25 years, and that I took by mouth?”
“Yes sir”
“Here is how this is going to go. I work in a skilled nursing facility and our DON says the pharmacy would charge 10 dollars for those same 2 Levaquin. I’m going to pay you 20 dollars which is 100% profit. If your hospital does not send over an amended invoice reflecting this change, I will send you 10 dollars a month until this bill is paid and there’s nothing you can do about it. My next call will be to the North Carolina state insurance commissioners office. If you amend the bill, I’ll pay in full.”
I got my amended invoice. I wonder how many others they ripped off. It’s indeed the hospital groups who are responsible.
