HOUSTON – One woman is frustrated over an ambulance fee, after her son Nick collapsed on the floor while choking on an aspirin. 

“It was probably a good five, six minutes and we realized we were in trouble.  We needed some help," said Donna Cavender.

Cavender said her son was clutching his throat, so they called 911. But just as medics arrived, Nick swallowed.  He didn't need help anymore. The medics checked his vitals and left.

Then eight days later, she was billed $125 for a “no transport” fee.

"I wasn't aware there was a charge for 911 calls," said Cavender.

Cavender looked into the situation and discovered there is nothing she can do about the bill but pay it.

“I think the public is due an explanation. I think people should be aware of the fee," said Cavender.

According to hospital CEOs, taxes cover only part of the cost of doing business. Fees, like the one Cavender was charged, help make up the difference.

The Montgomery County Hospital District started charging no transport fees eight years ago as a way to recoup some of their costs. This is because up to a third of their calls result with them not transporting anyone.

"When you look at demands on the system and one third of the patients being no transports, it's certainly an area that policy makers such as our board had to make tough decisions about," hospital CEO Allen Johnson said.

Montgomery County isn’t the only one charging “no transport fees." It’s common across the country and rates range from $35 to $1,000.