Home / Health / Charged for No Care? ER Patient Outraged
Charged for No Care? ER Patient Outraged
29 Oct
Summary
- Patient billed $410 after leaving ER without treatment.
- Hospital claims care started at registration, not with provider.
- AMA states triage alone cannot be billed with an E/M code.
Autumn Daniels, experiencing a severe migraine, waited four hours in an emergency room at Carle Foundation Hospital without receiving care. Despite leaving without being seen by a provider, she was billed $410 for an "Emergency Room Level 1" visit. The hospital's policy, effective March 1, 2026, states that charges can apply even if a patient leaves before provider assessment, as care is considered initiated at registration and nursing assessment.
This billing practice has drawn criticism, as the American Medical Association points out that triage alone is not a billable service under the CPT code 99281 used on Daniels' bill. The hospital stated it uses resources like staff and equipment to maintain its emergency department. Daniels had previously visited the same ER in 2025 and was informed she would not be charged if she left without treatment, highlighting a recent shift in policy.
Daniels' health plan denied the claim due to her leaving against medical advice. She is now applying for financial assistance and considering an appeal with her insurer. The situation underscores the importance for patients to understand hospital policies and their insurance coverage regarding ER visits where care is not rendered.
