Question:
Quoted doctors flat fee changed. Can I get my money back?

I am self-pay and received a written quote from my doctors office for the flat fee. When I went to do the pre-op work, the price increased at the hospital. I argued with the hospital and doctors office but still out $1500. Anyone have this happen? What can I do to make them honor their quote?    — Jo R. (posted on March 2, 2010)

March 2, 2010
Jo a quote is basicly an estimate. The cost can go up or down depending on circumstances. Arguing with the doctors office and hospital rarely gets a person anywhere. Personally I would be taking the quote to the doctor and hospital to find out why the difference. If their reasons seem unusual to you seek the advise of a lawyer.
   — Caribou ME

March 2, 2010
Jo a quote is basicly an estimate. The cost can go up or down depending on circumstances. Arguing with the doctors office and hospital rarely gets a person anywhere. Personally I would be taking the quote to the doctor and hospital to find out why the difference. If their reasons seem unusual to you seek the advise of a lawyer.
   — Caribou ME

March 4, 2010
Hi, the quote from the doctors office is just an estimate of costs. His fee has not changed and that is the only fee that the doctors office has any control over. If the hospital fees have gone up then those fees have gone up and there is really nothing the surgeon can do about that. You didn't say how long it has been since you recieved the quote and then found out the price had gone up. Was there a long period of time where you were trying to decide? I was self pay as well. I was quoted a price and immediately scheduled my surgery and then went to the hospital and doctor and paid my fees. At that point I had receipts that said paid in full and the price was locked in. A quote is just an estimate of costs, if you get into surgery and it takes more anesthesia to keep you under or there are any complications you as a self pay will be responsible for those costs. It is tough to be a self-pay, but it is seriously the best thing I have ever done for myself and would gladly have paid $1500 more to finally be healthy. Good luck.
   — brindledanes

March 4, 2010
Thanks for the info ladies. I do understand a quote is an estimate but when you say "flat rate". That number should not change. I had received the price about two months ago while doing all my pre-op and had been to the doctor three times during this period and each time I did confirm that price over and over again. During all of this, the Office Manager had not checked with the hospital for any updates on prices so their prices were low. In the end, the price was negotiated down to $900 instead of $1500. I work with quotes every day and when I get a quote or give a quote, that price is firm so when I have to pay for something I expect a quote to me should also be a firm price. I don't mind paying a little extra if I have to for my health but the way things were handled were unprofessional. I didn't want the rock the boat too much considering I'm having my surgery on Tuesday but I want them to know that this was not the first time this question had popped up and confirmed just to go to the hospital to register and have this extra costs. I was very surprised and upset because of how careful I was in handling my financial affairs. Jo
   — Jo R.