P
pistolpete
Guest
Hello,
I have a general query in relation to the legal position relating to a hospital bill which the VHI did not refund in full.
The facts are as follows:
1. I was admitted to a public hospital as an emergency. While there I was seen by a consultant from a private hospital who also had a position as consultant in the public hospital.
2. The consultant arranged for me to have a procedure in the private hospital where he worked as it could not be carried out in the public hospital. I was told by another doctor in the public hospital that as I had VHI cover it would not cost me anything. I was not given any other option and was told the procedure was absolutely necessary (potentially life or death).
3. I was transferred to the private hospital and signed an admission form agreeing that if the VHI did not cover the full cost then I would be personally liable for the balance. The procedure to be carried out and the relevant cost were not detailed anywhere on the form. It subsequently transpired that they had me down for the wrong VHI cover even though they had the correct VHI number. In addition there was a box for "cover confirmed" which had been left blank.
4. After the procedure was performed I was informed by the hospital that my VHI cover would only pay for 50% of the cost. This came to almost €4,000. In addition the consultant received a fee of over €1,000 for the procedure.
5. I subsequently learned the procedure could have been carried out in another public hospital (albeit 50 miles away) at no cost to myself
Have I any case for not paying this? They insist they will pursue me through the courts if necessary to recover the sum in question.
I have a general query in relation to the legal position relating to a hospital bill which the VHI did not refund in full.
The facts are as follows:
1. I was admitted to a public hospital as an emergency. While there I was seen by a consultant from a private hospital who also had a position as consultant in the public hospital.
2. The consultant arranged for me to have a procedure in the private hospital where he worked as it could not be carried out in the public hospital. I was told by another doctor in the public hospital that as I had VHI cover it would not cost me anything. I was not given any other option and was told the procedure was absolutely necessary (potentially life or death).
3. I was transferred to the private hospital and signed an admission form agreeing that if the VHI did not cover the full cost then I would be personally liable for the balance. The procedure to be carried out and the relevant cost were not detailed anywhere on the form. It subsequently transpired that they had me down for the wrong VHI cover even though they had the correct VHI number. In addition there was a box for "cover confirmed" which had been left blank.
4. After the procedure was performed I was informed by the hospital that my VHI cover would only pay for 50% of the cost. This came to almost €4,000. In addition the consultant received a fee of over €1,000 for the procedure.
5. I subsequently learned the procedure could have been carried out in another public hospital (albeit 50 miles away) at no cost to myself
Have I any case for not paying this? They insist they will pursue me through the courts if necessary to recover the sum in question.