I get 60 generic Xanaxes a month, but my doctor has to call it in to the pharmacy, which he does for free, then the pills cost me only $10.

Back in February, there were big doctor walk-outs all over PA and NJ (I'm from Philly). I started calling my dr. 3 days before I ran out of pills and got no response just an answering machine. I actually went almost 2 days with no Xanax, frantically calling the dr as well as the pharmacy -- the pharmacist knew me and knew I was due for a refill but legally his hands were tied. Everyone told me to proceed to the hospital emergency room and have them write the refill, there was really no other choice.

I was apprehensive that I'd have to pay the $100 emergency room fee that my insurance charges even though it was all not my fault, but I went anyway. They wrote a refill and while there they gave me a shot of Ativan to make up for the 1 1/2 days missed on the Xanax.

Well, I not only got a bill for $100 for the emergency room -- I also got a separate bill for about $2500 for the "services." Since I have to pay 20% under my crappy insurance, I am now being hounded to pay $513. I was absolutely furious and I'm not going to pay it.

Any comments or advice? Should I get a lawyer lined up? (PS my doctor magically reappeared at his office 2 days after the hospital visit. I really don't blame him for this but legally is that who will be blamed?

mouse,

In reality, you'll never find it worthwhile to sue for $513. A lawyer's charges that to send a letter.

Just chalk it up to experience. I also learned the hard way that the ER isn't the place for a penicillin shot, unless your name is Rockefeller.

ps....ALWAYS stockpile a few days' supply of drugs that you can't be without. Just like extra cash. You never can predict a disaster.

pps...You might also weigh the possibility of a XANAX addiction and whether you really want to be there. Anyone willing to pay $100 for a dose might really be too dependent on it.
I watched my mother get badly strung out on daily Ativan....for 10 years.


[This message has been edited by zip2play (edited 10-18-2003).]