First Choice Emergency Room

I have two children with chronic medical conditions. My oldest has type 1 diabetes, osteoporosis, and encephalopathy. My youngest has FAS, seizure disorder,asthma, and his pancreas is failing. We went to see the doctors at First Choice Emergency Room. I explained at that time that I would need to make payments on any balance due. I paid my $250 copayment and a couple of months later received a bill for almost $1000!



I sent a payment and enclosed a letter asking why we were billed so much. We didn't have any MRIs, x-rays, or services requiring equipment. No stitches were needed. No medicine given. No blood drawn. We were there for less than an hour. I never received a reply. Nonetheless, I continued to make payments. Last month I sent another letter explaining my situation and why I need to make payments because of all of our other medical expenses. Again no response whatsoever.



Earlier this week I tried to make a payment online. The system showed I had a zero balance. It is funny that I actually thought perhaps they reviewed our balance and adjusted it to reflect the services we received. Still, I emailed their billing people asking about the balance. No response.



Today, I received a letter from a collection agency telling me I have 30 days to pay this bill in full or they will report the balance to all credit agencies. Really? It amazes me that in the last few years medical providers no longer make payment arrangements with people. I am barely above the "poverty" level on my minuscule school secretary salary.

My son qualifies for reduced meals at school. I,myself, have post-polio syndrome and hypothyroidism. I do not take medication for my conditions because I can't afford them. Still, I was doing my best to pay YOU! And you turn me over to a collection agency. Really?