$500 for "maybe it's poison ivy"

Melanie
Heathcare Status: Uninsured

In the summer of 2007, I had a severe skin response on my leg to an unknown allergen -- poison ivy, stinging nettle, or other plant -- and missed the local clinic hours. In the emergency room, I was examined and given a tetanus shot. Prednisone was recommended and a script was given. Since I was going to be going home to a shower, I asked that the wounds on my leg not be dressed. There was no cleaning or other procedure. I was given some dressing material and a recommendation for a type of soap. For that exam, etc, I was charged over $500.

Submitted on May 17, 2010 - 8:36am.