A billing error at a Southern Arizona hospital left one man with a hospital bill for $49 million, according to the AP.

A malfunction in new computer software occurred July 2 and affected statements for 587 patients who were treated at Northern Cochise Community Hospital in Willcox, said Kim Aguirre, director of patient financial service for the hospital.

“The highest statement is $49 million,” Aguirre said. “I can’t wait to hear from that person.”

Peta-Anne Tenney received a bill for more than $100,000.

“I just laughed,” she said. “I said to (my husband), ‘Look at this, this is a doozy.

Yes, ma’am. That is a doozy. The company the processes statements for the hospital is supposed to check for errors, but they were “busy” and “forgot.” They’ve promised not to do it again. Let’s hope the guy who got the $49 million bill wasn’t in the hospital for heart issues.

Ariz. hospital sends patient a $49M bill [Yahoo!]
(Photo:Northern Cochise Community Hospital)

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