Another ambulance ride Options

[gigem99]

In preparation for a new job, I have to have a drug test done (pee in a bottle). For some reason, I thought it needed to be a fasting test.

I went down to the lab about 11:00 am, and had nothing to eat since dinner the previous nite. Well, I saw on my CGM that I dropped below 80, but for some reason, I didn't grab my jelly bellies. Evidently, I was very unresponsive, and the next thing I knew, there were about 6 paramedics and 2 cops in front of me.

I was so stupid, when they asked me if I had diabetes, I couldn't even answer them. When they tested me, I was at 32. They started an IV drip of D-50 (very badly, I might add - my arm is horribly bruised), and by the time my BG got up to about 160, I was able to reason.

I have been that low more times than I care to admit - my personal worst was 17, and I was able to treat that one by myself. I don't know what happened this time.

They wouldn't let me drive, or even walk home (I live about a mile from the lab), so they took me home in an amubulance. I can hardly wait to see the bill - I currently have no insurance, so this is gonna be a killer.

This was really embarrassing. I've only had the paramedics called on me a couple of times in my 26 years with diabetes - this one was the worst, though. The young paramedics (they all looked younger than my kids!) assured me on the way home that I was good - they said they have had far too many battles with diabetics who were combative.

I am still at a loss to understand why I didn't pay attention to my CGM. Won't happen again (easy to say, now).

Tom

[gigem99]

I got a bill a few months ago for $300 for the ambulance ride. Although I'm working now, being unemployed for so long, I'm in a world of hurt, and a collection agency is threatening me. What a drag....it's been a tough year.

Tom

[Liz]

I got a bill a few months ago for $300 for the ambulance ride. Although I'm working now, being unemployed for so long, I'm in a world of hurt, and a collection agency is threatening me. What a drag....it's been a tough year.

Tom

That really sucks, Tom. A $300 cab ride for a one mile trip!?! I'm sure you weren't thinking properly but I'm sure you could have refused any additional services and left on your own, even if you had called a cab. One time I was brought by ambulance from my job to a hospital a few blocks away. A co-worker rode in the ambulance with me and stayed awhile but then she went back to work. After I don't know how many hours, with my BG well into the upper 200s, I wanted to leave. First they said I couldn't until I ate the "diabetic meals", which was all white carbs. I asked if they would give me insulin to cover the food and they said no, so I refused. I told them I was going to leave NOW and so they hurried up and sent the doctor over. They asked if someone was coming to get me and I said no, I work 4 blocks away and was walking. They put up a bit of a fuss but I assumed them I would eat when I got back to work so off I went.

In the few (5? maybe) times I've been treated by EMTs I only once remember them asking me about insurance. That time, I wasn't even transported as I refused to go to the ER once they got me conscious at work. I've never received any bills for ambulance rides/visits. Only twice did I end up going to the ER and I'm sure I got my insurance onfo to them because I don't recall any hospital/ER bills either. I always assumed it was a city service, like the fire department but I guess not. Two of my visits (one transport to the ER, one refused transport) were outside of NYC.

Can you set up some kind of payment plan?