Sally Matchett, of Glen Allen, Va., got the bill after receiving care in March. At the time, she believed she was having a heart attack due to her symptoms of chest pains and shortness of breath, according to the report. However, after seeing an ER physician at the hospital and undergoing tests, she found out the issue instead involved her gall bladder.
Ms. Matchett later learned her Cigna insurance would not cover the ER physician, who is a member of Richmond-based James River Emergency Group and is not in her insurance network.
Ms. Matchett informed NBC12 of her billing situation, and the attorney for the emergency group agreed to settle her bill, according to the report. The initial $1,180 bill was reduced to Cigna’s $191 in-network allowable charge.
Cigna told NBC12 the emergency group decided not to become a member of its network, which can lead to situations like the one Ms. Matchett faced. The hospital did not immediately respond to a request for comment by the TV station.
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