ER visit Cedars-Sinai billing me entire bill $29,000!!

Last summer, I awoke from my sleep with excruciating pain in my lower right abdomen. My abdomen was extended and the pain would not subside. I went to the Cedars-Sinai Emergency Room for help. I had at the time Blue Cross HMO.

I saw a physician assistant. She believed my condition was possibly gall bladder related. Blood tests and diagnostic testing were performed, including IV drips and a CT scan. The diagnosis was a kidney stone.

I have never received a bill from Cedars-Sinai with the insurance deductible I owe, except for recent bills for the entire ER visit ($35,464.30) minus an adjustment of $6,491.70.

According to my Blue Cross HMO insurance, my deductible amount owed for the ER visit is $1,119.41. This has been stated in both the Explanation of Benefits the insurance company sent me and a follow-up letter based on the complaint/grievance process I filed with the insurance company. I figured I was going to pay my deductible of $6400, then 40% of the negotiated rate. I was fine with that. When my insurance company told me I only owe $1,119.41 I was relieved!

I filed a dispute resolution with the DHMC (Department of Managed Health Care) and waiting for a response.

Cedars-Sinai has told me on multiple phone calls my insurance company is not paying anything for the service therefore the bill is my responsibility. I believe I should consult a lawyer as this dispute between my insurance company and CS is taking too long to resolve. Any suggestions for how I would find an attorney specializing in this type of law? Thank you to those of you who have read my lengthy explanation.

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