Mohali hospital issued 3 different bills for same surgery, 70-year-old wins Rs 20,000

The order held that this conduct of the opposite party shows that they committed unfair trade with the complainant, who is in the evening of his life, being 70 years of age, for which he deserves compensation from the opposite party.

Hospital issued different bills on same day

The complainant approached a well-known private hospital in December 2021 with complaints of low back pain. According to him, doctors advised spinal surgery and informed him that the estimated cost would be around Rs 3.90 lakh, which could go up to Rs 4.10 lakh.

He said he had insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh and was told that he would have to pay only Rs 4,500, with the remaining amount to be borne by the insurer.

The complainant was admitted on December 16, 2021, and discharged on December 22. However, the hospital issued multiple bills for the same treatment period, first for around Rs 8.47 lakh, then Rs 5.91 lakh, and finally Rs 4.75 lakh. He alleged that despite being discharged, he was kept in the hospital on December 23 and 24 without any treatment or medicines being provided.

The complainant then approached the commission demanding compensation for mental agony and physical harassment, along with litigation expenses.

Complainant, his family members fled: Hospital

The hospital denied the allegations, maintaining that the complainant had been provided proper treatment and that the final bill was reduced to Rs 4.75 lakh considering his financial condition.

It was also alleged that the complainant and his family members fled the hospital without clearing the outstanding dues, and said it had filed a police complaint over the incident.

Hospital issued three different bills: Order

The commission noted that the complainant was admitted to the hospital on December 16, 2021, with low back pain and was discharged on December 22. It found that the hospital issued three different bills for the same treatment period, around Rs 8.47 lakh, Rs 5.91 lakh, and Rs 4.75 lakh.

It also considered the hospital’s own claim that the complainant had fled from the hospital and that it had filed a police complaint. The commission held that this also indicated negligence on the hospital’s part, as it had allowed the patient to leave the hospital.

Takeaway

The ruling highlighted that inconsistent billing for the same treatment period can amount to unfair trade practice. It also underscores hospitals’ responsibility for patient safety, as the commission treated the hospital’s failure to prevent the patient from leaving as negligence.

Consumers facing similar grievances may contact the consumer helpline in their respective states (Punjab helpline: 1800-425-1082) or dial the National Consumer Helpline at 1915 for assistance.