Insurance approved, $2000 wanted up front (not neccessary) for assistant

I am approved for surgery. For my doctor and his assistant. I am told by the doctors office that I should send them $2000 before my surgery.. I explained my insurance has approved both and I only have a co-pay of $200. I am told that if the insurance company covers the assistat they will send me my money back in the mail.. I don't like the sound of this, nor do I care for the poor explaination. I called and spoke with insurance to confirm and I was correct. Called back doctors office and they are basically saying that If I donot give $2000 I will not receive surgery. I had said I would come in and speak to doctor and was told the doctor has nothing to do with billing. I also suggested I would call insurance company to confirm assistance (in which was told - covered). or even if I wanted the insurance company would find me another assistant that works in Hackensack Medical. I am told by the doctors office that, he will not work with any other surgeon. What do you think? I feel he is takening advantage.. and I don't know what to do. Help!!! any suggestions

I have horizon bcbs. i was approved in 2 days. My dr office has not requested any money. i hope they do not try this a couple of days before wls. My date is 12/19. I would call another dr. approval is the biggest obstacle. request a complete copy of you med records. I would jump on it so that u do not have to redo the apts.

I don't know if what I am saying is of any help, but I think you should contact the insurance company and ask if this ethical or acceptable business practice, if you don't get an answer contact the insurance commissioner. I remember receiving a notice many years ago relating to unethical business practices that some doctors office might try. But I don't know if it is still pertinent or the same for New Jersey.

What Dr?

I had my surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center back in August with Dr. Trivedi. I have Horizon BCBSNJ HMO. I didn't pay anything out of my pocket, just the $20 co pay for the surgeon. Which surgeon are you using? I would definitely speak directly to the doctor about this. MAYBE your doctors office has had a bad experience with your insurance company and they are just covering themselves from that happening again? It's not the "happy" part of the process, but these doctors are running a business also. They have to be paid. I would speak to the doctor about it though, directly. I hope it all works out for you. Michelle Brennan

And Sometimes when in the Hospital- there is reasonable cost, and as we all know hospital costs are unreasonable. I suspect you are only being asked to give the 2k for the Surgeon portion of your entire stay- I was quoted 24k (est) for my 1 night hospital stay for lapband on 11/10- and what they charge the hospital is 26,231 and I am responsible for 900 because it is over reasonalble cost.... WOW- its a racket for sure.

not for nothing but i would be looking for a new surgeon!! will you give us the surgeons name?? i ran from our first surgeon for a couple of reasons -- one of them being the large up front money he wanted even though my insurance covered what he wanted since you are already approved (do you have a copy of the approval letter?) you shouldn't have any problem with changing surgeons i just wouldn't trust someone like this who isn't willing explain things until you are comfortable good luck roberta

I think there are enough other surgeons out there who don't require 'up front' money ... that if I were in this situation, I'd be looking at alternative surgeons ... based on the principle of this alone. That's what I think. Good luck with whatever you decide to do! Carol

I think you should tell everyone who this doctor is so others know what they might go thru with him or her. He has everything to do wit your insurance, He is the one they are paying and that would be crazy to lay that money out (and might not have it to do so) to wait for it to be sent back. I had doctor Capella, I had United health care and they paid for my assistant and I was told at first no and had to pay 2000 up front and I called my insurance and they told me they would pay it all because I didnt have any say in the assistant that was with the surgeon, but I too had the happY M which ment he was covered anyway. Try to look into Dr Capella in Ramsey, he does his surgery at Hackensack as well.

Kelli, I wanted to check... did you end up paying the $2000 up front? and if not can you tell me what your letter stated that changed doctors office mind. Look forward hearing from you.