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I have an evaluee who was charged $350,000++ for a helicopter flight from Jacksonville to Boston.  Cervical fracture, but no intubation or respirator.  No parapalegia.  Conscious.  Just needed someone with him.  Anyone have any luck negotiating those horrific charges downward?  He sigend and paid a $15,000 deposit, with no (evidently) cost estimate at the time.

Hi Gil,

Using my insurance Utilization Review knowledge:

1. have your person file an appeal with their insurance company. Important words to include: 
   1. Based on my injury, it was clear to the ER MD that I had a life-threatening cervical injury that without immediate transport to a higher level of care, I may have died or had damage to my spinal cord that would have affected my ability to breathe or walk. [this proves medical necessity]
   2. I had no choice of the transport company to determine if it was an in-network provider [this will be the 1st step to negotiate down to the in-network price]
   3. The usual and customary rate for air ambulance transport in my area is [help him find this and also look to see if the county has a cap on rates]
   4. While I understand that I will be responsible for my transport bill, the $350,000 charge is unreasonable and far exceeds the UC of the area. 

Good luck!

Becky

I have an evaluee who was charged $350,000++ for a helicopter flight from Jacksonville to Boston.  Cervical fracture, but no intubation or respirator.  No parapalegia.  Conscious.  Just needed someone with him.  Anyone have any luck negotiating those horrific charges downward?  He sigend and paid a $15,000 deposit, with no (evidently) cost estimate at the time.