[USER]

My mom had developed a complication (pneumothorax, 50% lung collapse) immediately after having a scheduled bronscopy.

Before discovering the pneumothorax, the doctor said they performed a biopsy during the broncopsy that bled more than expected.

My mom is insured but this will be an expensive stay. Is there anything we can to reduce costs, especially while still actively receiving care? We are spending at least one night in the hospital.

We had another complication last night where her tube slipped out enough so that the nurses couldn’t tell but it showed up in the xray and the lung was worse.

My mom was in a lot of pain and I felt like she was being written off. I feel very angry and now I’m pushing for verification and checks at each point.

The hospital we are at has good reviews. I wonder how one goes about finding and “demanding nicely” excellent healthcare in such situations.

[Sarah]

Sometimes the hospital will offer a percentage discount if you pay promptly – you can call and ask. I’ve gotten 25% off a combo copay/deductible bill this way.

The best way to reduce hospital bills is to shorten the stay. Which means following all advice from the doctors and nurses, taking meds as ordered, participating in physical therapy or asking to get up and walk proactively, eating nutritious foods, helping keep her clean, essentially helping her help herself get better asap.

I’m a critical care RN and see regularly that patients with involved hands-on family members do better than those without.

So, hang in there and take care of yourself, too.

[Carrie]

You can’t reduce hospital costs while she is there but if she lives on her own you can reduce how much electricity\gas\ water her current house is using by turning the heat down on water heater and house.

If you are staying in a hotel around the hospital there is usually a reduced rate code the hospital can give to you for a cheaper room also.

My MIL was in ICU for 3 weeks an hour and a half from our house so that came in handy for us while my husband was their as he would spend every 3rd day at the hotel to wash his clothes & stuff.

[Anna]

Hospitals have patient advocates. Speak to the nurse manager or check the hospital’s webpage for a contact number.

[Connie]

Not really because her stay needs to go through revenue cycle team/medical coders/CDI before the hospital submits the claim to her insurance.

You can request itemized bill after discharge.

[Pamela]

I have no suggestions, just want to say how awesome of you to care for your mom.

Hope she makes a speedy recovery!

[Author]

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