Injustice in the U.S. Medical System

Let me start from the beginning: “Yesterday, I received a phone call that stated that I needed to call this number urgently.  Normally I would have just blown it off, but curiosity got the better of me so called this 800 number.  As soon as the person answered they asked for my city and state.  I told them “no”, “who is this I asked?”  They replied by saying that I had to give them my city and state before I was to receive any information.  So I did.  Next they wanted my name and phone number.  At this point I am starting to get ticked off … “who is this or I am hanging up,” I replied.  They finally informed me that they were a debt collector.  The problem is that I don’t have any outstanding debt.  I am a hard working middle class American who pays his bills on time.  Well the conversation began to heat up when they told me that I owed a certain medical hospital (won’t mention any names) over $500 for my sons Dr’s appointment.  He went in for a wellness exam and school shots.  “Are you kidding me, $500+!”  Here is what really ticked me off, they billed me exactly 36 days ago to an address I had four years ago.  The conversation ended in a big blow out of a dispute because I would not release my employment information.  They threatened me with a legal suit, and I asked them where they worked at because I was going to drive over there and knock someones teeth in.  (Just kidding on that last part, but that is what I was feeling.)  I honestly felt I handled the situation as calmly as I could.  I finished by telling them that I was going to go speak to this medical clinic.  They told me not to because they would not be able to help me. 

So I finally arrive at this medical clinic, and I go and speak with billing.  Here were my main issues:

• We filled out current patient information during our last visit “Why was that not updated in the system?” I would have paid it if I had received it.
• Why didn’t this get filed under our current insurance?
• Why in the world would you send me to a debt collector when it had only been 6 days overdue?
• What is going on in America where it cost $500+ for a wellness visit and a couple shots.  “The medical system is corrupt.”  I know, because I worked in it for almost a year as a Nurse Tech.  “$500+!!!!”  “COME ON!!!!”  We were in and out in 20 minutes.  “Stand-up, bendover, turn around, follow my finger, 2 shots later, and that will be $500 please.”  Something is not right about that. 

People do not deserve to be treated this way.  First off I believe debt collectors have too much authority and power.  Someone needs to give them a taste of their own medicine.  2nd we need medical reformation, and 3rd the U.S. needs to get its act together, and start doing it’s job.

You might be thinking that this pastor needs to get off his high horse, and deal with the way society is, but guess what you could be next.  There is injustice taking place all around us, and you are the target. 

Who knows maybe I have been watching too many Holocaust and religious persecution films here lately.  Anyways this is my soap box, and the personal views and opinions in this blog do not reflect the views of my church.