Earlier this March, I visited the ER with troubling neurological symptoms. I received treatment and was released without a clear diagnosis. Weeks later, I learned my hospital stay had been coded as non-emergency, and my insurance denied nearly $9,000 in charges.
What followed was a long and frustrating effort to understand the decision — involving calls with hospital billing, ER Department Staff, and insurance reps,. It raised questions not just about how coding is done, but who does it — and whether software or overloaded billing staff may be introducing errors with significant consequences for patients.
I’ve written a detailed account of my experience, supported by medical records, economic data, and recent research on AI in billing and healthcare consolidation. My goal isn’t just to share what happened — it’s to advocate for change.
If you work in health policy, tech, or patient advocacy, I’d welcome your thoughts on how we can build a more transparent and accountable system.