It’s been a while since I posted last. I guess it’s that time in the semester where I’m so busy teaching, advising, and attending events that I have no time for anything else! Plus, I had a major job during a “Super Regional” conference that took place in my town last weekend.
I have received a couple of bills from my 2/23/08 miscarriage:
LEVEL 4 HOSPITAL SERVICE
- Recovery phase 1 lvl 2 per hr $419.25
- Path group 3 122.00
- Venipuncture x 2 26
- ABO group 38.50 (they had access to this info)
- RH type 31.25 (I told them I was RH+)
- Antibody screen 83.50 (???)
- CBC 48.25 (narrowly avoided a transfusion!)
- surgery major 1 1207.00
- set up for surgery 641.50
- anesthetic 42.50
- propofol 80.11 (damn, that had better have been good stuff!)
- lidocaine 7.50
- sevoflurane 231.20 (now, THAT better be good stuff)
- metoclophramidercar (say that 3 times fast) 16.38
- dexamethasone 16.38
- fentanyl 16.38
- hydromorphone 16.38
- ondansertron x 2 32.76
- fentanyl 16.38 (again?)
- recovery/observation 75.00
GRAND TOTAL: $3168.22
That’s what a curettage (following/during miscarriage) costs you (or more). When it’s all said and done I’ll owe $650.29, plus I received a $97.00 bill for the follow-up with the OB. It should have been a $15.00 copay, but since they coded it maternity, my insurance company isn’t paying for it, claiming that it’s covered under my global (maternity) copay. THANKS FOR THAT NICE SWIFT KICK TO MY BROKEN UTERUS.
Still, nearly every moment of every day I remember what I have lost this past year. And there’s no hope yet of moving past it. There’s always tomorrow . . .
The Trial of Labor 
I am sorry for your loss, suspect you might be tired of hearing that (I was), but none the less, I know what joy you feel when you are pregnant, and the devastation you feel when you miscarry. I was so lost… what helped me was talking to a friend who suffered as well and went on to have two beautiful children. I thought if she could go on and have a great life, so could I… I could have hope. She also gave me a special bracelet that I wore until my son was born. I hope you find peace and joy, and hope… be kind to yourself, take the time you need to grieve and heal.
-Sharon
co-founder, http://www.OurHopePlace.com
friends helping friends cope, hope and heal after miscarriage
Wow, as a Canadian, I never thought of this aspect of miscarriage. Talk about adding insult to injury, especially with the charges for tests that were unneccessary, given you could (and did) tell them the information. I am completely aghast; sorry, I’m sure that doesn’t make you feel any better. 😦
Sending you waves of strength…
The propofol and sevoflurane are the anesthetics, so in that respect, yes, the good stuff. The fentanyl is for pain/surgical management. You probably had one going into surgery and one during or right after. Sorry about this bill, it’s always insensitive.
Another Canadian, I cannot imagine all of that on top of a miscarriage. My biggest gripe was how I was treated, but at least I didn’t have to worry about any of this stuff.
If you need anything, let me know. Each day is so different, be kind to yourself.
I have never experienced a miscarriage…I hope I never do. But…my heart aches for you, the pain you have been through, and the pain you still have to work through. I am so sorry…and I wish there was something I could say or do – though I don’t know you – that would be just what you need. At least…I can pray for your healing. 🙂
Thank you all for your thoughts. Thank you, Sharon, for sharing the link to Our Hope Place. I’ll have to check it out.
I just had a miscarriage, I didn’t even know I was pregnant. I was only 4 weeks but I don’t think I have ever hurt so bad in my life.
I just think about what that child could’ve been, the beautiful person who I could’ve watched grow. I didn’t know the sex of the child but I call it Lola. I hope that everything works out for the best for you, I am only 18, and I don’t know a whole lot about life, but I know that it helps if you treat yourself to whatever feels good. Take a bubble bath, relax…I sit outside a lot now that its warm and pretty. Good luck with everything.
Brittany, it doesn’t matter HOW pregnant you were . . . some women feel tremendous loss! It’s not altogether a BAD thing that you hurt – I have gained perspective and empathy I probably didn’t have before because of my losses. I’m sure you will find that too.
Best wishes to you. I’m sure you’ll make a fantastic mom someday!
~ Kimberly
I just had a miscarriage at 14.5 weeks. I went to the hospital to induce, the doctor came in and answered a few questions. I delivered the baby in the hospital room shower by myself, and now he is charging me 1600.00 delivery fee. How right is that???? Can I fight it??? I have no medical ins.
I stumbled on this while reading through some articles. Miscarriage sucks, but the bill just made it worse. I have a 2000 deductible with my plan and already had a financing arrangement worked out where the entire cost for delivery would be 2100 paid over 7 months. After i miscarried, I received four different bills totaling around 1600 and that is just for ER. I did not have a D&C but my outpatient OBGYN stuff is not included in that (bill hasn’t arrived yet) and my deductible had kicked in after the first 1400. The total cost that has come in has been for ~6000. It just is the worst experience imaginable, losing a baby, going through the pain and loss, bleeding out in the ER then being slapped with a huge bill.
Can you please let me know the exact codes and names appear on the bill. I’ve been charged $6,300 for ER natural miscarriage.Thanks.