Unusual Incident / Trip to ER

Sandy H · 08-20-2006, 10:21 AM

My two cents worth. I worked in a hospital rehab for many years and this included getting billing information for the billing department. We had to ask every patient if this was an accident and where it happened and how. We also took their insurance which meant copying all insurance cards. The billing office would then bill the insurance if they denied because of a third party payer being involved such as homeowner, workmen comp, auto insurance, business, even private pay such as dog bites, falling down stairs or off someone's steps and there are others. The chances of you having to pay these bills is 0!! I doubt if you will need to get an attorney. Like Becky says send them a letter with copies of your bills and tell them you only want your bills paid if not possible then you may have to think of further compensation. Doesn't mean you will do it but make them think you will. You did the right thing is getting this checked out and not waiting. People don't understand the seriousness of lymphedema even some cancer patients. Wishing well and let us know how you make out. hugs, Sandy

Sheila · 08-20-2006, 11:01 AM

Thanks everyone for all the tips and moral support on this one....that is exactly why YOU are all so important to me and many others....like one big family of sisters...some older, some younger, but all with so much care, concern, love and understanding.....YOU ARE ALL THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

StephN · 08-20-2006, 11:25 AM

Je-e-z-z-z- what a way to ruin a weekend!
Wouldn't want to hurt that cycle riding ability - just joking ...

The advice from others has been good and what I would expect.
You may need a letter from your doctor to the appropriate department to go along with the bills and receipts for meds. This way there is NO doubt of the importance and timliness of your actions to take care of this wound.

(I can't imagine any wires sticking out of a bedding package anyway! Never seen such a thing myself. Maybe a government agency needs to be called in about that??)

chrisy · 08-20-2006, 12:39 PM

Good Grief! They should have fallen all over you with apologies, gifties, and of course pay the medical bills. I agree with what has been said already - get all your "documents" together, (maybe take a picture of that nice bruised arm!) then once you're loaded for bear, write a comprehensive letter to the store manager, cc the corporate office of the chain. My guess is they will most definitely pay, and without much of a fight. Too bad you had to be subjected to such inappropriate treatment by some poorly trained store clerks and managers. I'm sure this will work out for you in the end, and I hope easily. Like you don't have enough on your plate already!
Take care
Chris

RhondaH · 08-20-2006, 04:31 PM

You MAKE them cover it...no matter what it takes to get them to do it. Take care and God bless.

Rhonda

G. Ann · 08-20-2006, 10:25 PM

Sheila,

Even if you never had BC, a puncture wound due to the store's neglience should be covered by their store insurance. You've received good advice from our group members. All I could think of was to get a note from your oncologist stating the precautions for puncture wounds for your affected arm due to breast cancer and lymph node removal and the life long problems of lymphedema. It might be helpful to alert the headquarters regarding the lack of sympathy and follow-up you've received so far. Thanks for sharing. It's good info for all of us in case we have an injury to seek medical attention for puncture wounds.
G. Ann