Northridge Hospital Medical Center

For any concerned citizens: Avoid by any means a visit to the Emergency room at Northridge Hospital, CA, specially if you do not have medical health insurance. A few weeks ago I had an ear ringing and pressure, and it became worse (with vertigo and vomiting) and because I couldn’t see an ORL doctor on such a short notice, I decided to go into the Emergency room. I mention that i do not have any health insurance. I was seen by a medial doctor within 15-20 min, he looked into my ear, made me close my eyes and ask me if I can lift my leg (practically the same test a policemen will give you for a suspected DUY). I received from the nurse 2 pills and asked to pee in a cup. I waited for almost 2 hours on a chair, and because I was just left there to wait indefinetely, I requested to finish my visit with them. The doctor came, looked at me, ask me if I feel better, then released me. I paid by credit card $250 and thought that will restitute on the card whatever it was in excess. Instead, 2 weeks later, I received in the mail a $1,305 medical bill!! There is no warning about this hyper inflated medical bills, they will just allow you to fell into their trap! Because I paid right away and if I will pay the remainder asap, they are willing to reduce it to $400, plus the $250 upfront… I never received any extra lab tests that they performed on my urine. As a biochemist myself, I cannot possibly understand what kind of tests will require that much money anyway. Unless you are bleeding to death, stay away from those leeches. God help us all!