WASHINGTON – A woman bitten by a poisonous snake after stopping along the George Washington Memorial Parkway to take a picture received a $55,000 hospital bill for treatment.

NBC Washington reports former EMT Jules Weiss’ insurance had just lapsed before she sought treatment at the emergency room of Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Md., for the copperhead bite.

Her foot ballooned and turned a different color. She ended up getting three IV treatments and staying at the hospital for more than 18 hours.

NBC Washington says the pricey process of making anti-venom can lead to a high treatment cost. The station says most hospitals have counselors that can help set up payment plans, and recommends contacting area social service agencies if assistance is needed.

Weiss says she will be looking into obtaining financial assistance for the bill.

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