I made the mistake of going online to see if I could find out how much my recent doctors’ bills amount to.

BIG mistake.  Big, Big, BIG mistake. 

This brings to mind one of my favorite quotes.  It is from “Blood Rites” by Jim Butcher (in the greatest book series ever, The Dresden Files):

Over the years I’ve learned that ignorance is more than just bliss. It’s freaking orgasmic ecstasy. 

Maybe next time I’ll just risk bleeding to death.

All included, the original dermatology visit/biopsy, the emergency room visit, and the follow-up dermatology visit equals just over $700.  And that’s assuming there aren’t any other hidden fees that just haven’t gone through yet.

My biggest mistake ever was in signing up for the high deductible plan through my work’s insurance.  I may have got a bit extra each paycheck, but it’s come back to bite me.  Don’t ever sign up for it, unless you know you’re going to be having some massive medical bills or never, ever go to the doctor!  The only plus with it is that if you have large bills, then it pays 100% after a certain point.  My problem is that I never reach that certain point, so I just get screwed.  I think it’s worth the extra money each paycheck to only have a co-pay.

I remember crying that night when I was trying to decide whether to go to the ER (I was hemmoraghing - I was allowed to be emotional) and telling my mom that I didn’t know if I should go because I didn’t know if I could afford it.  I think it’s a sad, sad country when you have to stop in a crisis to wonder if you should seek help because you’re not sure you can afford it.  It’s ridiculous.