What Happened

What was supposed to happen

A standard upper GI endoscopy with placement of a Bravo pH capsule — a small device the gastroenterologist attaches to the lower esophagus to measure acid reflux over 48 hours. The capsule is delivered through the endoscope on a delivery system that the physician controls throughout. I was assessed pre-procedure as ASA Grade I — "a normal, healthy patient." I had no significant comorbidities.

What actually happened

The doctor lost control of the Bravo pH capsule during deployment. During Dr. Richard M. Rosenberg's attempt to retrieve the capsule from my hypopharynx, the device was aspirated and lodged in my left mainstem bronchus.

A portable chest X-ray was ordered. The radiologist documented "a small electronic device superimposed over the distal aspect of the left main bronchus."

Dr. Yasir Hatahet, a pulmonologist, was called in to perform an emergency bronchoscopy. He found a "large metallic and plastic foreign object" in my left mainstem bronchus. The object was so large that the bronchoscope itself had to be removed as a single unit, with the capsule clamped in forceps, to extract it. My blood pressure dropped during the rescue procedure. The attending nurse documented this in real time.

Dr. Hatahet successfully retrieved the device. A second Bravo capsule was then deployed and the original endoscopy was completed.

What my family experienced

My wife was present at the hospital and saw the procedure go from routine to emergency. The extended sedation meant I had significant trouble waking up afterward. The fear and uncertainty during that period caused her real distress.

What I asked for in writing

On June 22, 2025, I mailed a formal dispute letter to SSM Health's billing PO Box. I requested removal of the disputed charges related to the bronchoscopy and EGD, written confirmation, within 30 days. I did not dispute the office visit fee from May 1.

What I have done since

• Mailed the formal dispute letter (June 22, 2025).
• Re-sent the dispute letter via email after no response (July 28).
• Submitted a formal medical records request (June 25), which SSM fulfilled.
• Followed up by email when no response came after the promised 30-day review (October 23).
• Called SSM Health's billing department approximately every one to two weeks for nearly a year. I have spoken with multiple representatives. None has produced a resolution.

What SSM Health did

Applied a single $50 discount. Kept charging me for the pulmonologist and anesthesia services required to remove the device from my airway. Never substantively responded to the written dispute. Sent the remaining balance to collections.