Grand Strand Medical Center

I had a gout flair up on Dec 28, 2017 and went to an urgent care center but Dr was out so told me to try the new Grand Strand medical center just up the road. We went it was a stand alone brick building with regular parking. Entered and were lead right in. The visit in total was 10 minutes rutine blood pressure, weight, temperature. The Dr gave me a steriod shot and two prescriptions. Then I was out the door. A month later I get a bill for $2250. I had been to urgent care in Columbia SC on May 2017 had the same exact care and the bill was $229 and on Sept 2017 was treated with same care in Kershaw Medical and bill was $217. This Grand Strand regional charged 12X what Columbia and Kershaw county charges. I spoke to a financial counselor with Grand Strand and she says its because its an ER. I said it look nothing like a hospital. She said no its an ER stand alone. I said well there were no signs. She said yes at bottom enterance at street level there is a little sign. I said that is to cover the fraud so you do not get sued. I said you staff never mentioned or said the word ER or informed me that they would bill like an ER. This is out right fraud and will really make millions on pour injured and sick tourist going there to get treatment having no clue how much they are going to get ripped off. A stand alone building is no considered an ER and can charge ER prices. I guess no need for hospitals any more.