62010 Treatment of head injury

I suffered a head injury and lost consciousness for an unknown length of time (probably minutes). I have no memory of the incident. I had severe bruising and swelling on the right side of my face and numerous bloody burn-like abrasions on my arm. The next day, I went to Trinity Health Care's standalone emergency facility in Tampa (Sheldon Road and Citrus Park Drive), asked if they accepted my insurance and was told yes. I was examined and the doctor ordered a maxillofacial CT scan without contrast & CT brain scan without contrast. I received no treatment. I was diagnosed with "a facial contusion" and given a prescription for ibuprofen and after-care instructions. Blue Cross adjustments dramatically lowered the above bill, but I received additional bills (more than $100 each) from multiple radiologists, who read the scans and apparently were not in the Blue Cross network. ... I am appalled by the exorbitant original bill, questionable diagnosis, and lack of treatment for my arm. I would NEVER go to this facility again. My sister, a health-care professional, says the average price for a CT scan is less than $1,200.

The ER service took only a few hours with 1 night in the hospital for observation. The doctors and staff were excellent. However, the original bill w/o health insurance was $70,442. With health insurance the final bill is $7,121. Why!? Who gave the hospital unlimited authority to charge whatever they want, knowing the service was worth 10% of the bill they sent to me? You do not pay health insurance premiums - you pay protection money!