Gotta Love Florida -- They Goof, You Pay!

[redwitch]

I always knew Florida was pro-business. After moving here, I got to see it to some extent: The Comcast/BofA/Verizon we're here but we're not syndrome.

I also knew that it is harder to sue a physician in this state -- standard of proof seems to be higher than it is for most states. However, I never knew that they would bill you and honestly expect you to pay if they goofed!

http://cbs4.com/local/I.Team.Medical.2.712964.html

[SteveFromNY]

I honestly think this is fairly common practice. I received some surgery last year and had a temporary drain inserted that was supposed to be removed once the dissolving stitches dissolved. Well, they apparently used a real stitch, and I had to go back in for ambulatory surgery to remove the stitch (which was internal). I got a bill form the doctor, the hospital and the anesthesiologist. All without even an apology. The insurance company paid and I am still paying off my share of the expense.
I can't think of another industry where this would be an acceptable practice.

[redwitch]

I know it is a state by state thing. In California, if the doctor goofs, the doctor gets to pay someone else to correct the mistake (of course, it takes a lawsuit and almost an act of God to get it to really happen but at least the option is there).

[SteveFromNY]

It's possible I can sue (I live in NY, people here sue about almost anything), but frankly, since everything seems OK, I wasn't going to press the case too strongly.

[Rokinronda]

unreal! :o