Don't Request a Semi or Private Room at TEGH.

Hi everyone,

I thought I got a 'free' private room at the TEGH because I was in a semi-private room and no other female bariatric patient needed a bed during my stay, but I just got a bill in the mail for $480.00 - sigh...

As it turns out, all WLS patients at the TEGH share semi-private rooms.  There was one for women and one for men on my floor.  Unfortunately, I had taken in that sheet that you fill in and sign requesting a private or semi-private room at the PATTS and gave the sheet in at the payment office before my surgery, after I had been admitted, and before I knew any better.  Now, I have to pay for semi-private even though there was no other option for me because I requested it.

A word to the wise!

Jenn.  :)

Just wondering if you wanted a semi or private room because you thought that your benefits would cover that cost?

I don't have any insurance benefits.  I really requested the room for two reasons: because I didn't want to be in a ward with 3 other people, and because my father has severe asthma connected to extreme multiple chemical sensitivities, so he's basically allergic to anything scented, e.g. deodorant, regular laundry detergent, Bounce, dry cleaned clothing, perfume, hair dye, scented cosmetics and almost all hair care products from shampoo to hair spray and gel.  The list of things he's allergic to is immense and he often has to leave the room when someone walks in or he can't breathe right for days, so I just wanted him to be able to visit me and he was the one who drove me to the hospital and home afterwards.

Jenn.  :)

I am also allergic to fragrances and I didn't have any reactions while in the hospital. Of course, I was at TWH and not TEGH, so it could be that my hospital might be more strict about their no fragrance policy than yours.

At any rate, I'm sorry this happened to you. Perhaps you can speak to an ombudsman and get some help fighting the bill.

TWh is a scent free zone, but TEGH just requests patients and visitors not to apply perfume before they come to the hospital.  I don't think that they are as strict, but I didn't notice any scent while I was there I have to admit.  Interesting idea with an ombudsman, thank you.

Jenn.  :)

That sucks!  They should definitely let you know this beforehand.  I had requested private (have coverage for up to semi-private so was going to pay the extra for private), but then learned when I got to the room that all bariatric patients are put in semi-private rooms.

I agree, the woman at admitting and the woman at the payments office should have said something.  I guess they didn't know I would and had to be in a semi-private room, but still, you'd think they wouldn't charge you.  I guess it's just routine the way they do the paperwork and aren't especially looking to save the hospital money they can no doubt use.  Oh well, I did end up with a private room at semi-private rates.

Jenn.  :)

Seems unfair.  Assuming your insurance coverage will cover paying for semi-private rooms, how would you know they only have semi-private rooms? 

I would try calling the administration and say you only requested it because hospital coverage on your benefits.  You didnt know that ALLpatients get semi-private so why would you have to pay and someone who doesn't have the coverage, and therefore didn't ask for it, not have to pay?

Nothing to lose but a bit of time to present your concerns nicely.

Dar

That's an excellent idea Dar, but they have it written down in my file that I don't work.  I might try calling them anyway though.

Jenn.  :)

I have semi private coverage but am going to request a private room, if available. The difference is $40 per day that I would have to pay.  This will be at HRRH.