How To Save Money In A Hospital

Keep a running log, or ask your advocate to keep one, of all the services that you receive.  This list should be as comprehensive as possible.  The log is important as a comparison when there is a review of your hospital bill.  The log should include the following:

• The dates of admission and release from the hospital.
• The exact number of hours spent in the hospital operating and recovery room.  At an average cost of $300-600 an hour, the charges add up quickly.
• The dates you are in a specialized unit, such as intensive care or cardiac care unit.
• All tests performed.
• Any treatments administered.
• All medications received.  You will be charged right down to the last aspirin. (And some hospitals have been known to charge as much as $12 per pill.)
• All doctors' visits.  This should include name, specialty, and what they did.
• All supplies used as part of a medical procedure or treatment.  This includes items such as gauze packs for wound dressings, disposable emesis basins, ice packs, or suture removal sets.
• Any personal items.  This might include toothbrushes or toiletries. To save money, bring your own.  Because hospitals are under financial pressure and trying to control their bottom line, they are charging for every service, including many that used to be free.

You can ask for a daily itemization of your bill be brought to you each day while you are in the hospital.

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