Can I lie about my name at the Emergency room?

Question

ok, so I'm not going to do it, but I've heard of illegal immigrants doing this.

I went to the ER about a month ago and I didn't have insurance but they asked for my name and birth date. They never ever asked for ID. What if I would have made up a name and birth date? Do they check or what?

I have no insurane but I'm a poor college student and now I have a 500 dollar bill to pay for.

It's kinda sad that if I popped out a few kids I could get my ER bill paid for but because I'm a full time student and work a full time job on top of that I'm stuck with this bill.

My question is has anyone ever done this or do you know what happens if you do? Do they check i a computer system for your name and birthdate?

Answer 1

If you have been there before they usually have your info in the system already. Here at the hospital I work at they do not ask for identification, just the insurance card. They do ask for your SS # and other identifying factors.  

Answer 2

Don't lie because besides being wrong, you may need to go back someday. They should let you pay the bill out on a reasonable schedule.  

Answer 3

LOL my son just asked me the same thing a month ago. I guess you could of. If they never asked for your ID how would they know???? But you know that ole what goes around comes around thing!!!! Ask your hospital if they have assistance for the non insured. At Parish hospital they will almost drop your bill in half if you don't have ins. and they will set up a billing plan for you. See if yours offers something like this. It helped my son out greatly. I'd say you really need to be insured but like my son said he doesn't pay out in doctors a year on what insurance would cost for three months he just can't afford it. Its a shame living in this great country that most can not afford Ins.

Answer 4

Well if you lie that would be considered fraud weather they go after you or not is a different thing.  Just keep in mind if you get arrested for it you'll be paying a lot more for a lawyer and your fancy degree means nothing as soon as they do a background check on you.

Answer 5

Recently, an actor got arrested for doing that to avoid a bill. On the other hand, you can get a break on your bill if you ask. There are funds that are for that purpose, to pay for those that can't pay. It's a writeoff for them as well.

Answer 6

You never lie about how you are to a Doctor that is tiring to help they can only get that info if you come back to the hospital and you are hurt! What if you lied you told them your name was destiny standing and your  birthday was 3/32/1990 and there is a girl was born in march on the 32nd and her name is destiny standing and she had something wrong with her then they would give you stuff you are not suppose to tack something bad could happen to you! You could even end up DEAD... so think about it and things that you would end up in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

Well it would be better if you went to an ER that you weren't given birth to in and give them a false name and a friend's address. Then if they send out a letter to your friend saying the bill wasn't paid just get your friend to write back saying that you were a former roomie and that you and her weren't in contact anymore. That way your friend won't be involved and you won't have to pay your bill.