A tourist who almost died in a US hospital after contracting pneumonia has been handed a charge for more than $200,000.
Amanda Couchman, from New Zealand, was transported to a Los Angeles emergency room on July 1 after experiencing shortness of breath. She was placed on life support immediately, and physicians swiftly diagnosed her with pneumococcal pneumonia.
As a result of the illness, she had hypoxemic respiratory failure, numerous blood infections, and fluid in her lungs.
Ms Couchman was in Los Angeles for her cousin’s wedding, but she spent the day in the hospital.
She made it back to New Zealand and was greeted with a bill for $US147,595 ($A211,000).
Amanda concluded her message by thanking everyone who has sent her best wishes and has already provided assistance.
‘My relatives and friends.’ Every prayer, message, playlist, poetry written, bedtime tale read, phone call, voice message, and thought you sent me from afar and continue to send me. I could never repay you in the ways you have helped me, but… thank you from the bottom of my heart! ‘I am absolutely overwhelmed and filled with thanks and love for everyone,’ she added.