according to robert goldberg phd author of tabloid medicine: how the internet is being used to hijack medical science for fear and profit and co-founder of the center for medicine in the public interest "the principle reason that people are charged is that hospitals want to avoid the appearance of wrong-doing and reduce the threat of having a law suit. if you don't charge for the mistake then you're admitting you made the mistake and the patient can go on to sue for damages. " if you've suffered a medical error and were asked to pay for treatment that you didn't need take action: many patients although incensed pay charges without question. according to goldberg often times the simple act of speaking up is enough to get the hospital to drop the charges. "in this particular case the first line of response is 'i'm not paying for it' " goldberg says. contact your state's department of insurance to see if you live in a state that currently prohibits hospitals from charging patients for care to correct a medical error; a number of states currently do. you can also file a complaint with your state's department of health. if you're covered by medicare you can file a complaint by phone at 800-medicare. if you have insurance there's a good chance you'd look to receive coverage for any treatment you need. if your insurer hasn't already raised a red flag when the claim for the unnecessary care came through for payment contact the company and explain the situation. if all else fails contact an attorney to help you negotiate with the doctor or hospital. a resolution can likely be reached with discussions. if not you always have the option to sue.
should i have to pay the bill if the doctor makes a medical error?