Surgeon Fees

I just found out today that my surgeon is charging me $3200 in "up front" fees. Of course my insurance is not covering it. My heart sank when I was told that because I've been going to this surgeon for almost a year and was NEVER told about any "fee"...I could've been saving. Geesh...now I don't know if I can even afford this fee. Anyone else with a PPO plan have to pay a fee before surgery?

Hi there, If the Dr. knows that it's not covered, they have every right to charge anything they want - up front. They're afraid they'll get stuck with the bill. HOWEVER - if you call the billing office, I would HOPE that they would arrange a payment plan, starting ASAP. I did this with a local hospital, because I have a PPO, but my out-of- pocket is $2000. They sent a WRITTEN agreement that I had to sign ( a promisary note ). BUT, they also told me that they would "review" my account in 6 months. It is my understanding that if you've been on time, and have not missed any payments, MOST ( not all ) hospitals ( maybe not the surgeon ), but most would make a decision to write it off at that point. ( maybe not that ENTIRE amount for surgery, as compared to my $2000, but you need to ASK, or you'll never know.) Have you APPEALED the denial of medical necessity through your insurance company ? Good Luck with everything, Kym from NH

Actually my surgery is approved however, this fee just came up out of the blue right before surgery which is scheduled on the 20th. Just my luck the insurance girl is on vacation until Monday. I will ask about a promissory note though...good idea. It's a fee that the surgeons office is charging & not the hospital. They are in network but he is now out of network. My out of pocket max is $2500 & this fee is $3200. I'll take your advice & ask about some sort of arrangement. Thanks for your help.