Swedish Ballard Promotional and Update on Appeals

Swedish Medical Center – Ballard has a bunch of new signs outside, among which enlighten people that yes, Ballard has an emergency room this side of the Ballard Bridge. That is, unless you want to travel to Unversity of Washington Medical Center or Northwest Hospital.

I admit to wanting to put up a sign nearby, reminding people that if they have Premera (the largest insurer in the state of Washington) their ER visit will have the facilities at Swedish Medical Center – Ballard be charged as in-network, but the Ballard Emergency Physicians services will be charged as out-of-network, meaning higher costs to the consumer. I cannot stress enough that people need to be informed of this, outright – and if you have the minutes to spare in an emergent care situation – make the choice to go anywhere but Swedish. I have it from another friend that the main Swedish campus also has contracted physicians that DO NOT TAKE Premera for their ER services.

In other news, I haven’t heard back on my second appeal with Premera, but I have gotten a reduced bill from Ballard Emergency Physicians. It’s still 2x what is the maximum allowed amount by my insurance. The complaint to the Department of Health is at a standstill until I authorize the release of my identifying information. I’m still thinking about that one. No word yet on the Attorney General’s office. We’ll see.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

See previously: Emergency Room Charges, Ballard Emergency Physicians and Swedish Ballard Emergency Room, Insurance, Emergency Room and Complaints/Appeals, Insurance Appeal Update, Ballard Emergency Physicians Update.