FEE: Explanation doesn't ease pain

Regarding your headline “Hospital Fee: It makes patients sick,” I again contacted KMC billing office regarding the “facility fee” and received another explanation. This one is regarding “specially trained nurses,” tests, treatment and assessment, etc.

My response:

Ms. Howerton:

Thank you for responding so promptly to my e-mail. First, as to KMC not being a free standing clinic or doctors office. It is a medical center, which by definition means it deals with all things medical. My family physician has offices in KMC, where I also have lab work, tests and treatment done. He, too, has highly trained nurses, who during my annual visit go over my chart, ask about  current medications and any specific complaints. I am not charged for any more than my Dr.’s time, lab work and tests.

My visit to my oncologist was my bi-annual appointment, made 6 mos. prior, at which time my Dr. was at KMC, CDA, (I was not charged a ‘facility fee’). In that I am not a new patient, I did not receive a ‘new patient pkg’ and was never informed of this extra cost.

My oncologist’s nurse did no more or less for me than my family Dr.’s nurse.  I spent the same time with both nurses, appx. 15 min., which calculates to $598.00 per hour for a “specially trained nurse.” I find this ‘fee’, which is not covered by my health insurance, to be exorbitant and I will not pay this charge.

MISCHEL ANTHONY

Coeur d’Alene