Discovering that my own hospital was suing patients was a shock that turned into anger and shame.
During a visit to the county courthouse in Rhode Island, I uncovered that single working mothers and disabled individuals were being targeted.
Hospitals and debt collectors were reporting low-income patients debts to credit bureaus, garnishing wages, seizing bank accounts, and even seeking arrest warrants for missed court hearings.
As an emergency medicine specialist, knowing this was happening to my patients was devastating.
What would you do if you found yourself in this situation?
Luke Messac, MD, PhD, an Attending Physician at Brigham and Womens Hospital and Instructor of Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School, testified before the Senate HELP Committee.
