Patient
We had a deeply disappointing experience with the Congenital Heart Center at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. Our son, who is 18, received a text reminder for an annual follow-up appointment--scheduled the year prior--after being referred following a sports physical at an urgent care. His initial testing had found nothing abnormal, so we assumed this was just a routine check-up. He went to the appointment on his own and told us afterward, "All good." Imagine our shock when we received a bill a month later for a $1,200 echocardiogram that we had no idea was coming. Neither we nor our son were informed that this appointment would include such an expensive procedure. No one explained what tests might be done, nor were we given any cost estimate ahead of time. When I reached out to Corewell Health's financial counseling team to express my concerns, I was told they are not required by law to disclose costs to insured patients--only to those without insurance. They explained that it's the patient's responsibility to ask. While this may meet the bare legal standard, it feels like a terrible failure of communication and patient care. Even my vet and dentist provide a detailed cost breakdown without being asked and confirm whether we want to proceed with services. Why doesn't the same basic level of transparency apply to healthcare? When I raised this point, the financial counselor dismissively said, "Ma'am, we have millions of patients around Michigan. We can't accommodate that." I find it unacceptable that such a large, respected health system doesn't prioritize clear communication and informed consent when it comes to costs. Healthcare should not blindside families with unexpected, high bills. I urge Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals to consider adopting better practices to respect their patients' trust and finances. Until then, I would advise every patient to ask exhaustive questions about potential procedures and costs to avoid a similar situation.