Quote Originally Posted by Twisterdog View Post
Amen! That is a HUGE problem.

Our local hospital's ER is constantly criticized for poor service. Which they indeed do provide. However, they are constantly bombarded by people showing up with head colds, menstrual cramps, the flu, etc. Public hospitals cannot turn anyone away from the ER for inability to pay. So the true emergencies sit in the waiting room with a dozen people who are there for minor illnesses.

Another example of how terribly broken our medical system is.
I heard on TV that some people go to emergency rooms because, as you pointed out, they have an inability to pay and they won't be turned away and they aren't asked to pay immediately. Some drs. will not see you if you don't have the ability to pay. I'm not saying either situation is right, just that this is where we are today.