In November, my wife gave birth to our child. We had planned a home birth, however, at the last moment things went south and so we went to the hospital to stem my wife's hemorrhaging. The hospital was great, and the bills weren't even all that bad...especially for a couple who is functionally uninsured (having only a catastrophic policy), and we have every intention of honorably paying them. The exception however, was when the pediatrician marched in and just started demanding answers to questions...just assuming that he was supposed to be there. We didn't want any of his tests, services, etc. So he left after about ten minutes. We recently recieved a bill for $157 for his time. Seems like total bullcrap to me. So I am wondering if we have a legal option of not paying him since we never asked for his services. Thanks and this board is truly great.

Sean Clark

I hope that the baby is OK and that your wife has recovered from the childbirth completely.

Your comment about "not asking" for a pediatrician service after your wife's life ( and likely the baby's life) were saved by medical professionals is, IMO very strange.

Pay him and be thankful that his "services" weren't needed and that the baby was OK. It could easily have been a different story.

When you went to the hospital, you more than likely signed a consent for treatment. This includes doctor's coming to see you as deemed necessary. A new baby warrants a call to a pediatrician. It is standard. You would be hard pressed to prove a pediatrician for a new baby is not necessary. There are a LOT of newborn tests and shots that babies must have.

If you don't have the money to pay they may help you with that, but there probably no basis to not owe the doctor.