PAYMENT UP FRONT

I went to my Cardiologist appointment today. Had my ekg and they wanted me to do the stress test. I was fine with that. While we were waiting, the lady at the desk told me I would have to pay $783 Up front today. That was the 20% that we have to pay. I just wish they would tell us up front how much we have to pay. Now I may have to put off the surgery so I can pay for the stress test. I just wonder how much more that I'm going to have to pay for the other test up front? And all of this is with insurance, How do the self pay afford all of this?

It all depends on the insurance company.  I have BCBS and I have no copay when I see drs so never a fee up front they have to bill me.  I got my statement from Insurance the other day it shows that my cardoliogist was charging me 555.00 for the entire visit.  My plan only allows 372.00 to be charged payed 80% and I am left oweing 75.00.

 

Who is your insurance company? Are they doing the treadmill test on you or something else?  I would think that 783 is steep! I guess they change per insurance and not a set rate. 

OUCH!!!  I'm sorry, Queen...  That sounds very high!!  Of my network of friends, I don't think there is anyone who can just pull that much money out at a time like that, so you aren't alone!! Was the $783 twenty percent of the EKG alone or both tests together? I just did the math, and it seems like that is about what I had to pay for my EKG, Echo, and Chemical Stress test together.  But, my insurance pays 95% so my payment wasn't as high as yours.  AND, they called me BEFORE and told me how much I needed to have on the day of service. Sorry, it may take more time now but it will STILL be worth it in the end!  Keep your eye on the prize! Dot

That is just for the stress test. We had to pay $20 co-pay and 20%. We have BCBS of Oklahoma. I wasn't told about it till we were there. I'm going back the 25th to have it done. But I may have to change some other things around. It's just so annoying. That they think you just have that kind of money in your pocket when your not prepared for it.

Did you see Dr Dobratz?  If so, they overcharged me because their insurance person does not know what she is doing.  I had acutally met all of my OOP for the year by time I went, so I was only to pay ofc copay.  But, they made me pay 312.00 (10% of their billed charges) up front.  I was furious and not so quiet about it! As a contracted physician, they should only charge the copayment and bill the coins after insurance has paid.  Because you are only suppose to pay based on discounted rate.  Ask them for the CPT codes as ask your insurance the contracted fee to determine what you really should pay.   I got my 312.00 refunded, but I should not have paid in the first place!  Sorry to say, but the front desk gal is a dimwit!!   I was so furious, that I decided would never go back there again.  If Dr Gorospe thinks I need a followup stress, then I will make appt with diff cardiologist!  I already cancelled the appt they set up for me in Oct of this year.

I am sure it is cause I was told we have to see Dobratz prior to the surgery.  I have BCBS Oklahoma as well and this was my breakdown.....  consult  225.00

                                                                       ecg   70.00

                                                                      exercise ekg 260.00.....

 

Call your insurance for sure like phyllis said its crap and i think you are getting the raw end just like she did! 

                         

Well I don't want this to look bad or make myself jaded in anyone's eyes, but I was just blessed to have parents with money.  My dad recently retired after 40+ years of owning his own very successful business.  What I am doing is tapping into my inheritance early, so to speak.  My dad isnt happy about this, but then he isnt happy about anything for that matter (long long story folks).  My mom is withdrawing the money for from the family account for me to put into my own account and pay the fees.  From what Lisa figured up for me the other day she said to budget about $45,000 to be sure I have everything covered...including the IVR filter.

Your very blessed to have family that can help that way.

Thanks, however they are all ready to kick me in the head if I don't get a good career going after surgery, lol.  Thats why I am already looking at enrolling in nursing courses for the summer and fall semesters.  I would actually love to get into bariatric nursing so I could share my experiences and knowledge with others going through the same thing I went through.

I still dont get it..... Where are you going?  i am sure you are going to the same place I did since we are both Dr G patients.  I honestly dont think its fair to charge one insurance one price and another company another.  Its just crazy.  Unless they are doing the other stress test on you and not the treadmill..... It makes me sick just thinking about it.