A woman who visited her doctor for a check-up was shocked to find she had been billed an extra $40 for crying during her visit.
The patient had gone to see her GP after recently been diagnosed with a rare disease and was feeling frustrated over her diagnosis, and got emotional during their consultation.
Later, when she received her bill, she learned that she had in fact been charged for a 'brief emotional/behavioural assessment' that shockingly cost more than her tests.
The receipt was shared by the girl’s sister, YouTuber Camille Johnson, who wanted to use it as an example of America’s 'broken healthcare system'.
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Taking to Twitter, she penned: "My little sister has been really struggling with a health condition lately and finally got to see a doctor. They charged her $40 for crying.
"They charged her more for crying than for a haemoglobin test. They charged her more for crying than for a health risk assessment.
"They charged her more for crying than for a capillary blood draw.
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"She has a rare disease, so she's been really struggling to find care. She got emotional because she feels frustrated and helpless.
"One tear in and they charged her $40 without addressing why she is crying, trying to help, doing any evaluation, any prescription, nothing."
Understandably, the bill garnered a lot of attention online, with many sharing their frustrations over the healthcare system in the US.
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One angered Twitter user penned: “No human being should have to go through this.
“I do hope someday Americans will realise freedom is to not have to worry about education, health care and housing.”
“How can even a country like Brazil have free access and she couldn't come to take an exam in the most advanced country in the world," another penned. "This can only be a joke, it's not possible."
Meanwhile, one person, who also suffers from a rare disease, branded America’s billing practice as 'inhumane'.
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They commented: "I have a rare disease as well, and it’s impossible to go over my symptoms or ask for help from the doctor without some emotionally upheaved tears. This billing practice is inhumane."
Camille responded: "Nobody should have to suffer with health issues without knowing if they will ever be able to afford help."
Lisa McLoughlin