Last December I was involved in an automobile accident. My injuries were moderate, but weren’t permanent. The person who struck my car was not hurt. However, at the time I didn’t know the extent of my injuries so I requested an ambulance. As a result of the crash my car was towed away from the scene as I was taken to the nearest hospital.
The entire ambulance ride took no more than a full minute. This wasn’t because the driver had dangerously sped through traffic, merely because the accident occurred five city blocks from a hospital. The paramedic whom took care of me made me feel more uneasy rather than comfortable throughout the whole ordeal. During the short ride to the hospital I was hardly spoken to. I had no idea what was happening.
This is where I get confused. Weeks later I received a statement from Hall ambulance. My bill was $670. I understand that EMT’s are highly skilled and qualified professionals, but how can anyone explain six hundred dollar bill for a 45-second ambulance ride? I was not administered any medicine, nor did I require any special treatment from the EMT. I know I am not the only one who has been outrageously overcharged. Although my insurance covers the expenses from the accident, I pay for it myself in the end when my rates skyrocket. Next time I will drive myself to the hospital.