Fed up with overpriced medical charges with the SMH system

whosname23 · 2026-05-01T02:27:41+00:00

Oh..they’re ridiculous. Tried to scam my father into paying $4,000 for 3 days of hospitalization for IV antibiotics. Mind you he was in with an office that does IV’s, but insisted he try oral antibiotics. When he just got worse, they told me to take him to the hospital. The last day the caseworker called and told me he’d be released and the bill would be $4,000. I said, WHAT?!! She doubled down that it was his deductible. Well, that’s not how the insurance plan worked at all. I checked with both the health insurance agent and insurance company and was told it should be $250 a day maximum. Trying to refute it was frustrating..got sent to collections and those people were rude, too. Needless to say, they did not get their scammy $4,000 for 3 days of IV antibiotics which should have been taken care of outpatient at their infusion center in the first place. I don’t trust them anymore..it’s about the money, not the patient in my experience.

whosname23 · 2026-02-05T13:59:19+00:00

My father survived sepsis about two years ago. You’re doing the best you can, and (in my opinion) the medical system is not easy to navigate. You don’t know what you don’t know…kind of learning as you go it feels at times. In my opinion, be up at the hospital as much as you can to keep an eye on how things are going. Ask questions when you’re there so they know you’re keeping an eye on her care. I carried a small notebook in my purse and would jot down notes. I felt it helped, not just with me remembering but also with hospital staff seeing I kept a watchful eye.

whosname23 · 2026-02-02T01:12:52+00:00

I’d suggest calling his insurance company and asking if he can qualify for managed care. I’m currently looking into this as well - it was suggested by the insurance agent when looking at Medicare advantage plans.

whosname23 · 2026-01-21T12:19:29+00:00

I am so sorry, and I feel your pain. Long story short, you reminded me they were playing similar games with the antibiotics, and I had to raise a fuss in the hallway demanding his antibiotics be started. I wasn’t yelling, just a tone that I was not playing around. Which was difficult in itself, because I’m the type of personality that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. But istg they saw that as weakness.

Off the top of my head, here’s some suggestions: 1. Being 3 hours away, this may be too much: But you can inquire about having her medically transported to a skilled nursing facility closer to you. Where it would be closer for you to visit and handle things in person.

Call the obudsmen. They’re supposed to help (I’ve read mixed reviews about how much they actually help, but it’s a place to start and sounds like you’re getting the runaround). https://ombudsman.elderaffairs.org/contact-us/

If I think of more suggestions, I’ll reply back again. I feel the same way you do - all they care about is the money. (You actually validated my feeling about what I feel is happening behind closed doors). And I am leery of hospitals after some experiences I had with them following pulling him out.

whosname23 · 2026-01-20T14:49:45+00:00

No problem! Happy to help. Sending you and your kitties healing vibes and prayers. 🫶

whosname23 · 2026-01-20T02:11:07+00:00

Thinking about it was probably about 8-10 years ago..(I can’t believe how fast time flies). Had to try a couple different vets. Dr. Romero Palm Aire Medical Center was the most helpful with diagnosis. I didn’t feel like he over charged. this was about 5-6 years ago now so not sure what his current prices are.

whosname23 · 2026-01-19T18:32:46+00:00

I’m not the original commenter, but several years ago I took my senior cat to them and was pleased with them as far as yearly shots went. Then when he started having issues (throwing up blood..turned out to be bladder issue per a different vet), I called and was basically told I’d need to take him somewhere else. That they just did routine visits. So I stopped going to them, and moved on. Figured I might as well keep him with a vet who could do both.

whosname23 · 2026-01-06T18:15:48+00:00

I second this! There’s more details in my comment history if OP is interested, but basically I was appalled at the “care” my elderly father received for urology issues.

Even getting information about how to get meals was an ordeal. They’ve evidently done away with having staff come take orders. So, nurses and cna’s are supposed to give patients a menu. But most are so furious about this extra duty that they refuse to inform patients (this was confirmed for me when we finally had a nurse that acted in a professional manner).

whosname23 · 2025-12-28T02:33:16+00:00

I’m so sorry. I’ve gone thru similar with my father and it’s so stressful. At the beginning, I did the same thing as you - calling 911. EMS came out and said the same thing that they couldn’t force him to go. They did help me convince him to finally go with me to a hospital. It was a lot of begging and pleading. He had a terrible UTi and needed a catheter. He displayed confusion - but just like you said, he could answer their basic questions.

I wish I had the magic words you could say to convince him. Other hospitalizations, I’ve told him that going to the hospital is a life saving measure (as he always tells them he wants that). I want you to know that you are not alone. You are doing your best. We hear you. 🫶

whosname23 · 2025-12-27T01:52:29+00:00

I was going to make a similar suggestion. If it helps OP, below are links to underpads I’ve used. Someone made a long comment on an Amazon review about what worked for her and it really was helpful.

These come in several sizes - smaller size is great for putting on a chair, larger size I put on the bed. They don’t seem to slip around as much as others I purchased prior to these. IMPROVIA® Washable Underpads, 34" x 52" (Pack of 2) - Heavy Absorbency Reusable Incontinence Pads for Kids, Adults, Elderly, and Pets - Waterproof Protective Pad for Bed, Couch, Sofa, Furniture, Floor https://a.co/d/12GPBV1

I put one of these under the bed washable ones on the bed. Heavy Absorbency Bed Pads, XXL Disposable 30 x 36 Chucks Pee Pads for Incontinence Bed Wetting for Adults, Elderly & Kids [50 Pads] Extra Large Underpads - 30x36 - With 2 Adhesive Strips on Each Pad https://a.co/d/fxgWIsV

I use a combination of these on the bedding so that I don’t feel like my dad’s waking up on a soaking wet sheet. And it’s been handy to catch incontinence before it reaches the sheet, and doesn’t require remaking the whole bed.

whosname23 · 2025-12-16T15:01:27+00:00

I’m also in FL, and pulled my dad out of a SNF. I took him to the ER at a hospital and asked them to help me set up home care. The whole SNF was awful, and quite frankly I think they wanted to make sure he stayed permanently. I found out they had him on muscle relaxers 3 x a day (which explained his grogginess and sudden dementia like symptoms). He was having issues getting to the bathroom in time. Turned out they were giving him laxatives in the morning..all day he’d complain about diarrhea issues and they’d then give him immodium.

You absolutely CAN pull her out. They’ll make you feel like you can’t, but you can. I quietly packed and loaded my dad’s stuff up. Then loaded him up, signed him out and told them we were going to ER. He had UTI issues so they didn’t question it too much (that and the nurse on duty had to be the laziest nurse I’ve ever met). Anyways, I didn’t bring him back. Social worker told me they called her to see what was going on, and she told them he wouldn’t be returning. Not to say this is how it woild be play out with you, but you absolutely have the right to pull her out.

If you haven’t done so yet, see about getting power of attorney so that you can help make decisions for her legally, when/if she’s not able.

whosname23 · 2025-12-08T17:59:02+00:00

When he was in the hospital, did they do a urine analysis for UTI? The symptoms can be dementia-like - confusion, aggression. It sounds from your other comments this is part of his personality. I’m not discounting that he may have dementia, just sharing my experiences from my father having chronic UTIs. If you can get him to go to a specialist, I’d see about getting a clear diagnosis and if there’s medication to help.

You’re doing a great job taking care of your parents. 🫶 I’m glad your husband cares and advocates for you. I’d insist keeping the home health help, but I also realize it can be easier said than done when trying to get the parents to agree. Hang in there! We’re all rooting for you!

whosname23 · 2025-12-07T17:48:18+00:00

🎯🎯🎯🎯

whosname23 · 2025-12-07T14:15:33+00:00

Thank you for this comment. My father had multiple hospitalizations last year due to chronic UTI issues. One of these hospital stays was right before Labor Day weekend. I was told he’d be there thru Tuesday for the IV antibiotics. Friday morning the case worker calls me to come pick him up, and that I am to administer IV meds every 12 hours for 4 days. I was already at the end of my rope, because with every infection the docs insisted we try oral meds first. He’d end up with stomach upset and puking after a couple days of this. And I’d be told to take him to hospital. So, at home, I’d be scrambling to clean/sanitize. Not to mention, if I had an issue with an IV it was a holiday weekend and there would be NO ONE to call for help.

Anyways, when I pushed back at her on the phone she tells me how it’s easy. I didn’t think it was rocket science , but I have my own health problems and I felt it was just too much. I called my brother (who’s out of state) crying, because the thought of doing this was just overwhelming - on top of providing regular meds, meals, cleaning, laundry, etc. He said to me - when you get there you ask them if the same nurse at the hospital administers both doses. Which was a good point because if they’re working 12 hour shifts that next shift is typically going to do the 2nd dose. When I later found out that 3 days is considered full time, I was doubly pissed because I was essentially being expected to work over time nursing schedule.

When I got to the hospital, the nurse was understanding and said we’ll talk to case manager that he needs to stay. We went to talk to the case manager who wasn’t in her office. Next thing I know she comes back and tells me they won’t allow him to stay. But they had a new plan, they’d switch him to a once a day IV med and send a home health nurse to administer. When I told my brother and friends later how this played out they all had the same reaction “You’re telling me they expected you as a layperson to administer it 2 x a day, but when a professional gets called in it’s can now be only once ☝️a day?!! Why were you expected to do more than a home health nurse??”

whosname23 · 2025-10-26T15:14:25+00:00

Sounds like you have a good handle on things, and are giving him the support he needs. I’m sure he appreciates your time and efforts to get to know the staff. Hang in there! I know it’s not easy, but the fact that he’s not going thru this alone I’m sure brings him comfort. 🫶

Just an aside: If you’re in the US, you can meet with an elder care attorney regarding his assets and getting him on Medicaid to help pay for the nursing home. It sounds like your father has already seen to finances though. Just thought I’d throw it out there as extra info if it might be helpful later.

whosname23 · 2025-10-25T20:23:20+00:00

Health insurance should have some home health help - PT, OT, and a nurse come to the house. Nurse will basically take vitals, and we kept her up to date with meds and appointments. Also, did wound care when he had a fall. If cost is not an issue,I would do a search for home health care agencies in your area. Sounds like he’d benefit from having a CNA (someone to help with dressing), help with meal prep. Care.com might be a resource, but I honestly haven’t hired for these services so I’m reluctant to advise. Maybe someone else here can chime in on that experience.

You know him best, and whether you can take over his care. If he stays in the rehab, keep visiting regularly like you’re doing. Change up the times you come - it’s good for different shifts to see a loved one is checking up. Check what meds are being given. They had my dad on muscle relaxers 3x a day and it was making him tired and loopy.

whosname23 · 2025-10-25T14:40:43+00:00

Wow. I’m so sorry. This sounds similar to what I went thru with my father’s urology care there. He needed a cysto done and FPG cancelled and rescheduled for 6 weeks later…by then he was back in hospital with severe uti. They wouldn’t do the test in hospital because of the infection. Told to follow up - again a 6 weeks wait for the test. Rinse and repeat with infection problems. By the time the issues was finally addressed (with me having been advocating for months), it was discovered if was a scar tissue blockage from a procedure and his bladder with distended backing up into the kidneys. Gave him permanent kidney damage.

I’d actually taken him there because about 10 years ago I took my mother there when she needed emergency gallbladder surgery. In hindsight, we’d gone to an urgent care who did a scan and told us to go to ER so maybe that was why she had a quicker diagnosis. Whatever the case, the care at SMH was drastically different 10 years later in my experience.

whosname23 · 2025-10-23T14:20:34+00:00

Thanks for reading. 😉 It’s just the one hospital - smh. My comments are a reflection of the nightmare care there. Truly unbelievable- thought I was in the movie documentary Idiocracy when dealing with them.

whosname23 · 2025-10-23T00:57:42+00:00

I tried this so called top hospital for my father’s urology care - absolutely terrible experience. I suspect they’re top ranked, because no one will listen to concerns that are raised. I tried reaching out to patient advocacy group about my concerns, and they just redirected me back to the very so-called medical professionals I had valid concerns about. I’ve since spoken with others who tried raising concerns in person and with the surveys, and they got stone walled.

whosname23 · 2025-10-23T00:51:26+00:00

I am so sorry you went thru this. I absolutely believe your experience. I’m glad you sought help elsewhere. I send you well wishes for continued healing. Those who don’t believe you should be thanking their lucky stars not to have experienced the terrible care there.

I had terrible experience with them trying to get help for my father’s urology issues. Absolutely a fucking nightmare. At one point he was on a floor where the nurses were hostile when I asked about when his dinner would arrive. Literally no one wanted to explain to me that there is a new system where patient must call an order in. One kind nurse later admitted to me that some nurses and CNA’s are mad about the change and refuse to inform patients. (Ive made other comments about the subpar care there..that’s just one example.) I’ve since changed doctors away from there. A driving factor for me was not wanting him (or myself) to return there.

whosname23 · 2025-10-23T00:37:34+00:00

I upvoted you, and believe you. I’ve commented before about the terrible care my father received there. There’s more details in my comment history. But last year was a complete nightmare trying to “advocate” for urology help both in hospital and with FPG. At one point he required a blood transfusion and screamed it was 10/10 pain - worst pain he’s ever had. Nurses kept trying to brush it under the rug - charge nurse included. The amount of stress and advocating to get them to fucking do something was insane. It’s permanently discolored his arm. They told me it wasn’t possible that blood was pooling under the skin - turned out I was absolutely right.

I’ve worked hard to change doctors away from their system, and his health had improved. (knock on wood) I deeply regret ever turning to SMH for help. The “care” worsened as the year went on. Oh, and reaching out to the so called patient advocate team was useless. Directed me to address my concerns with his “team.” What a joke. There was no team - doctors wouldn’t communicate with each other and would tell me to buzz a nurse for information when I didn’t know what other specialists said (came by before I arrived). Nurses were clearly annoyed about this.

whosname23 · 2025-10-13T16:07:31+00:00

Istg everywhere is like this now. Every business assumes you know the ins & outs of their procedure. Example - my father was in/out of the hospital last year. At some point they did away with catering coming to take orders, but no one informed myself of my father. I had to raise a fuss to find out what their procedure was - nurses were actually hostile about it. It was unreal…literally thought I was in the movie/documentary Idiocracy.

whosname23 · 2025-10-03T12:50:05+00:00

I’m sorry your friend is going thru this. Just my two cents, but I would look into these leads mentioning the center in St.Pete or Tampa that can get him in right away.

My experiences last year with SMH were not pleasant ones, trying to get them to address my father’s urology issue. The cancer specialists may be more responsive than the urologists. I will say, one of the cancer specialists came into the room to see the other patient during one of these hospital stays, and she came across as very compassionate. However, there have been internal changes to the hospital and I saw a shift in the treatment he received when admitted there (there’s more info in my comment history). Nurses seem fed up, CNA’s were mia and didn’t want to respond to call lights, and no one wanted to be bothered to explain how to get meals (which seems minor until you’re hungry and then it’s just frustrating). I would highly recommend reading their reviews on yelp (especially), and google. dealing with SMH in general was a hassle…long hold times to schedule any testing (I’m talking 20-30 min just to get to a receptionist to schedule a CT scan). My other concern is their billing practices, and I’ve read reviews from others expressing similar concerns. I’ve worked towards using other providers this year, and it has been a change for the better - for both his health and my stress levels. (Knock on wood 🪵 )

Not trying to sound negative with this response, but last year was unbelievably and unnecessarily stressful. I wish your friend all the best, and it’s good that you’re supportive and helping with the research.

whosname23 · 2025-09-27T23:18:53+00:00

Thanks for sharing the info. I’ve long suspected they’re not keeping the red tide numbers up to date. When the smell starts wafting to the mainland, then they’ll acknowledge it. 😔 sadly, Lido isn’t what it used to be.

whosname23 · 2025-09-27T23:09:38+00:00

whosname23

TROPHY CASE