Does anyone out there has UnitedHealthcare PPO? I need some help

My surgery was schedule for 5/5/2006, but the billing office for St. Agnes called me at work on 4/28 informing me that I need to pay the hospital bill of 3987.00. She said that it is hospital policy. I have United Healtcare PPO insurance, and they told me that I can either pay the amount and then they will reimbursed me on some items. Because they only cover 80% of the entire bill. Or they said that I can find a hospital that will bill me after the surgery. So I am posting this because I was wondering, if anyone call tell about any other hospital that will bill me after the surgery.And they accept United HealthCAre. I am ready for my life to change. I am really down......Please help me. I can go to Sinai, GBMC, John Hopkins, University of Md, Union Memorial......

I have United Health Care, but it is Plus Choice. I can tell you that I am looking to have my surgery through Sinai, and have heard wonderful things about them. I haven't had my insurance approved yet, but why don't you call their office and ask what their policy is, they are super nice there. Their number is 410-601-4486. Call and see what happens. Kymme

Kim W, I've done medical billing before and as far as I know we were never allowed to collect anything from patients that had health insurance except their co-pay and money for supplies or something like that. Or if we knew specifically that it was a non-covered service, we could collect for that. But if your surgery is a covered benefit, then you shouldn't have to pay your % due until after your health ins process' your claim. Did you actually talk to someone at UHC?

Hey Kim, I recently had surgery done at Bayview and am insured by United Choice Plus. Bayview only requested the $250 co-pay the day I showed up for surgery and nothing else. After the surgery, they billed the insurance company and United picked up the tab for everything (minus the $250). Yours on the other hand might be a bit different, but if you call the Admitting Dept. at Bayview, they could tell you in a heart beat whether or not you would have to pay your 20% up front. Good luck with the surgery. It's like strating a new life!

Thank you for replying to my question. It has been a real journey. But I have spoken to Sinai, and they stated that they bill you after the surgery. I am so happy that I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel. God gave me a second chance to do this right.