Having researched Ms. Jones’s situation, it is fair to assume that she would not want to pay for her bills even if she had enough money. She had been treated at the hospital while she was in a coma and received a sustainable bill from the healthcare institution. However, she had not been informed regarding the hospital charges and could not physically agree to them or reject such. As a result, the hospital seeks to collect the money from Ms. Jones for a month’s treatment.
It has been reported that lately, hospitals sue their patients for not paying the bills more. Therefore, it might lead to negative consequences for the healthcare sector in general, “They defend the suits as necessary to recouping outstanding bills and keeping health systems afloat” (Kliff, 2019, para. 10). However, it might seem unfair to the patient to pay the bill after recovering; it should be done to develop the healthcare systems further.
As a hospital attorney, it is vital to prepare an efficient lawsuit to defend the healthcare institution’s rights. To begin with, as the hospital spent money on the medicaments and equipment necessary for Ms. Jones recovering, she needs to pay for them. Furthermore, the healthcare institution had disbursed funds for the equipment maintenance in terms of covering communal payments. The healthcare sector sues such patients as they do not pay for the bills since they believe that it is not fair towards them; however, hospitals are “only pursuing patients who have the means to pay but choose not to pay” (Kliff, 2019, para. 10). Thus, provided that the patient is wealthy, though unwilling to cover hospital bills, the hospital might go bankrupt. In other words, the healthcare institution paid for the necessary aspects essential for treatment, and Ms. Jones decided not to return the funds.
Overall, Ms. Jones must pay for the bills as the hospital directed the funds to help her recover. Furthermore, if the patient had not been appropriately treated, it could have formed negative consequences, such as death, as Ms. Jones’ conditions were severe. As a result, to cover the bills and enable the further development of the healthcare sector, the patient must pay, even if it seems unfair to one.
Reference
Kliff, S. (2021). With medical bills skyrocketing, more hospitals are suing for payment. The New York Times.