MEDICAL: Sticker shock

On the last week of September, my husband was taken to Kootenai Health emergency with a back issue that plagues him every few years. After sitting in the waiting rooms for well over an hour, and given a cup to give urine sample, we were taken to a room. A nurse and billing arrived at the same time.

Yes, we have insurance; blood pressure taken. Doctor arrives, asks my husband what his pain level is, asks if he wants a shot to relieve the pain, and leaves the room. Did not check my husband’s back at all. Nurse comes back, shot given in arm. Sent home.

Bill arrives for $300 from doctor and $924 from hospital. This is after insurance is charged. My husband calls billing to ask about such a high bill, and was told it runs with the national average.

Sorry. My husband pays out a lot from each paycheck so that we can have insurance. How is this right?

MARGARET LAVERDURE

Coeur d’Alene