[maxverse]

> The ER visit ultimately cost $38.92.

The ER visit ultimately cost $38.92, after:

1. He tried to negotiate the bill: "Dhaval Bhatt made numerous attempts to get the hospital to reduce the charges. He also appealed to UnitedHealthcare to review the charges."

2. The hospital refused: "His efforts failed....the hospital would not adjust the bill."

3. The hospital sent his bill to collections: "While Bhatt was trying to reach the patient advocate by phone, his bill was sent to Medicredit, a collection agency, which began sending him notices and calling him."

4. The hospital forgave the bill due to bad PR: "After KHN [Kaiser Health News] contacted SSM Health, Bhatt received a call from someone who worked on "patient financial experience" issues at the hospital. The hospital agreed to forgive the $820 facility fee."

> The system worked out exactly as it should have.

Could you clarify?