Class Action Filed Against Hospital ER for Outrageously Overcharging Rural Florida Residents for Routine Scans After Auto Accidents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 22, 2017

Crestview, FL – Today, a class action lawsuit has been filed against North Okaloosa Medical Center (“NOMC”), one of only a few hospitals in Okaloosa County, Florida, for outrageously overcharging victims of automobile accidents for CT Scans performed in its emergency department.  This private hospital, owned by Tennessee-based Community Health Systems (CHS), charges patients who have been in automobile accidents up to 50 times more than other ER patients for the same scans and up to 718% more than auto accident victims who are treated by other ERs in the same community for the same services.  These charges also represent an astonishing 10,000% markup over the hospital’s Medicare-allowable costs for those scans.

George Washington MacNeil, a long-time resident of Okaloosa County, has brought this lawsuit on behalf of himself and other victims of NOMC’s egregious overbilling practices.  Last Fall, Mr. MacNeil was involved in an automobile accident, causing him serious injuries.  More bad luck befell him after paramedics rushed him to the closest hospital – NOMC.  After three hours, and four routine CT Scans, Mr. MacNeil was sent home to recover, only to be shocked weeks later when an invoice from NOMC arrived, charging him over $40,000 for the four scans that were performed.  “I was a victim twice over that day.  To think a hospital, a place that is supposed to protect and heal you, would take advantage of me and other car accident victims like this is unthinkable,” said Mr. MacNeil.

By charging automobile accident victims exorbitant amounts for CT Scans, the hospital has violated the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law, which prohibits hospitals from charging such victims unreasonable amounts for medically necessary services.  “We are seeking a declaration from the Court that these charges violate the law, and commend Mr. MacNeil for taking a stand on behalf of his friends and neighbors who also were overcharged for CT Scans in the emergency department following a car accident,” said attorney Richard Bennett.

Plaintiff George Washington MacNeil is represented by Bennett & Bennett, the Social Justice Law Collective, and local counsel Powell, Powell & Powell, of Crestview, Florida.  The lawsuit was filed in Okaloosa County Circuit Court and is entitled George Washington MacNeil v. Crestview Hospital Corporation, d/b/a North Okaloosa Medical Center.

CONTACT:

Richard Bennett, Bennett & Bennett

(305) 444-5925, richardbennett27@gmail.com, www.bennettlawmiami.com

Joshua Glickman, Social Justice Law Collective

(913) 213-3064, josh@sjlawcollective.com, www.sjlawcollective.com

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