Calls

My, now not so new, second job is doing collections for a hospital. I work w. some interesting people and talk to some, uh, crazy people. Now most people are nice but I have been yelled at more than once. Some of the phone conversations are unbelievable and it is outrageous that some humans can be so incredibly rude. Most of it is frustration and ignorance. YOU are the one responsible for your hospital bill. Should you have insurance it is up to YOU to know your benefits. NOT ME!! And, heaven help you if you have Medicare. Non-covered drugs are a huge issue. Esp. when we are not a pharmacy and do not charge pharmacy rates.
Make sure you know your benefits.

Here is one conversation I had w. someone I sent directly to the collection agency after speaking w. her.

Hello

Hi, this is Nancy from patient accounts calling some balances you have here.

Balances?

Yes when you saw Dr. Smith.

I really can’t talk right now I am in the bathroom.

(what?)

Can you call me back, these accts are getting ready to go to collections.

Well, I am getting ready to go on a plane and I have to turn my phone off right now.

(huh, i thought you were in the bathroom.)

I need you to take my number and call me back, I would not want to see these accts go to collections.

I can’t take your number I am driving right now…..click.

What?? Bathroom, airplane, driving….. This was just crazy and she did swear at me. Of course she was about 22 years old and they do not care about their credit right now. Wait until she wants to buy a house and can’t because her credit sucks because she did not take care of her medical bills.

The thing is if patients cannot afford to pay there bills and they qualify for financial aid the hospital will write off their bills. Like the 22 yo we worked with and worked with and he would not follow thru w. a few pieces of paperwork. Wanna know how much I am sending to collections that will affect his credit for a very, very long time? SIXTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS! This kid is so screwed.