Is it legal for a hospital to refuse to remove a cancerous tumor because of outstanding medical bills?
williamson_john5050 asked:
My step-mother just had her appendix removed. During surgery, the doctor found cancer. The original surgery cost around $20,000.00. My father nor her has health insurance. The hospital will not remove the cancer until the first bill is paid in full. Is this legal?
My step-mother just had her appendix removed. During surgery, the doctor found cancer. The original surgery cost around $20,000.00. My father nor her has health insurance. The hospital will not remove the cancer until the first bill is paid in full. Is this legal?
Yes, in the US, which is why many of us are working for universal health care.
hospitals cannot refuse anyone…
Yes, and that person will die!
I don’t think that they are aloud to deny your surgery, but I do think that they may charge you an extra fee because you have outstanding medical bills.
It is not legal for a hospital to deny treatment, but you should really consider getting insurance, it helps out a lot. And also, when you get the money, I would pay it as soon as possible. If you don’t, the government can find out who you are and then force you into paying the fee.
Overall, I don’t think they have the right. However, I would consult your lawyer on the specific case.
JL
Yeah, they can do whatever they want. If you want that to change, vote Democrat in November.
Hospitals cannot refuse EMERGENCY CARE ONLY. If the person goes to the emergency room, they will only fix the problems that are an immediate threat to life. The removal of a tumor is not an ER problem, it’s something you would see a specialist for, and they have, unfortunately, the right to deny this surgury. Tens of thousands of American citizens die every year because of this.
Yes, hospitals and doctors are not any more obliged to provide (non-emergency) service than plumbers, electricians, or mechanics. We have families to support and hospitals are beholden to their bottom line, they can’t give therapy away for free to everyone. In health care, like for everything else, you have to pay for what you receive.
no they can’t they have too its the law
It is not legal for a hospital to deny treatment
Yes, unfortunately. Hospitals are as much businesses as they are places to provide people with care, if they can afford it. According to the law, they aren’t under any duty to help someone with cancer. I’m sorry for your family’s situation…good luck.
If the tumor is not immediately life threatening than yes, it is legal. She should go to a charity hospital if there is one in the area or find a lawyer to fight it. It is legal, but it is kind of unethical so the hospital probably would not want the story to go public.
It sure is true. When you live in a capitalist health care system, the only way to get anything done is with money. Health is a luxury in this god damned country.
That is HORRIBLE if they refuse you!!!! All because of stupid money. ….my gosh
Healthcare in America really really SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t think it is legal because as long as u assure them and have a way to prove to them that you will pay them then they have no right to but then again I could be wrong find out in with their head department
i don’t know if it is or not consult a lawyer for more info it also depends on your health insurances coverage and the hospital try to work them a deal if need be finance and pay it off pay atleast half of it and then see what they say…. but first and foremost pray that she will get better hope she gets better (you know you have survived cancer when you die of something else)
its wrong but i think it is. Some doctors will remove things as a nice gesture you know but it dosn’t sound like this hospiatl/doctor will. Have her apply for like health net or some insurance plan.
PLEASE tell her not to worry because if anything the cancer could beocme worse if she stresses out over this or any of her family!!!!! Shes been fine beofre even learning about this cancer bsides the appendix thing so she should try to not worry about the cancer so much, if anything its probably benign u no. I have heard if it very life threatening etc it has to be removed and tehy must do so, bcuz its cruel and unusual punishment to let someone be tortured by a disease etc that tehy could easily remove by surgery u no.
he hypocratic oath that doctors have to state is that they have to help anyone that is about to die regardless of money or whatever… however if soneone is not in that position and cannot afford the procedure then the doctor can reject further treatment.
All of you goofballs who are saying that universal health care will fix this, wake up. Sure, this girl’s mother will then have the insurance to pay for it, but it’ll take a year to be seen by a doctor, and by then the cancer will have spread. Gosh, they’ve got you so hoodwinked.
Anyway, to answer your question, it depends on the hospital. Some hospitals that provide care to mostly uninsured patients (I work for one) will not turn away anyone with cancer. However, it’s at the discretion of the hospital. If this hospital is refusing her, you might have to look around for a charity or teaching hospital. But, be prepared to have to travel far for it. Good luck and I hope everything works out for you.