Medical billing nightmare: 4-year-old sent to collections after ER error.

A billing mistake by an in-network emergency room in Florida landed a 4-year-old boy in collections, despite his mother being insured through her husband's employer, HCA Healthcare. The stand-alone emergency room and ER doctor billed for the visit, even though the doctor referred the boy to another hospital for treatment. The mother disputed the charges but was unable to do so because the statement was in her son's name. After being contacted by KHN, Envision Physician Services waived the debt, and HCA Healthcare canceled the family's debt. Patients should ensure their name is listed as the responsible party when seeking medical care for a minor.