Private Hospital Investigates Doctor Accused of Overcharging Insured Patient €3,500

A private hospital in Madrid, Spain, is investigating one of its doctors following an accusation of overcharging a patient. The patient, identified only as L.C., claims that Dr. C.S., head of the Spinal Pathology Unit at the Hospital of the Venerable Order Tercera de San Francisco de Asís, attempted to charge her €3,500 for a lumbar stenosis operation despite having private health insurance (Adeslas) that covered the procedure. "In the consultation," L.C. told elDiario.es, "the doctor informed me about 'fees' I had to pay because the insurer 'only pays €600'." The hospital confirmed it is investigating the matter. This incident raises serious questions about transparency and ethical practices in private healthcare. The case highlights the potential for patients to be exploited financially, even when they have insurance.