Question:
DID ANYONE HAVE TO PAY 500.00 UP FROUNT FOR THE CONSALTATION.

   — LANESIA A. (posted on July 16, 2002)

July 15, 2002
Yes, I had to pay $452.00 up front for the 'pre cert' doctors. I went to see my surgeon (15 co pay) - she needed me to have sign off from a group called PMRI - nutritionist endocrinologist, psychologist. Once I hadthe sign off it was all a go. Aetna is my insurance and they covered 100% of everything else. Good luck! Thanks!!
   — AphY Girl

July 15, 2002
I had to pay $500 up front. I forget exactly why but I ended up getting it all back. I THINK it was in case the ins. didn't pay for post op visits to the doc. They did pay , so my docs office reimbursed me.
   — Kim B.

July 15, 2002
What kind of insurance company does that? $500 up front JUST for the consultation!!?? Perhaps that included lab work, EKG, etc...Maybe too, it depends on the type of surgery you're having, I really don't know. Surely not JUST for the surgeon seeing you (seems a bit much for a consultation). I only paid $90 for my surgeon's consult, but that's probably because my PCP ordered various labs tests BEFORE I went to see the surgeon and I fax'd the surgeon the results BEFORE I even made it to his office. It might be because of the type of insurance you have, which may either be your deductible or some other type of requirement. Check the *fine print* or clauses in your insurance coverage, better yet, call them and always ASK SPECIFIC QUESTIONS that you want answers to. I'm due for my pre-op on 8/23/02, and if I have to pay an enormous amount like that, I won't be able to pay it on the spot, but they'll get it sooner or later~~I'm surgery focused with tunnel vision right now. ~~Hope this helps, and best wishes to you on your journey! ~~Hadiyah~~
   — yourdivaness

July 16, 2002
It's possible that your doctor may be asking you to pay your insurance deductible up front, especially if you haven't met it for the year. The hospital I had surgery required me to pay my deductible and then reimbursed me when my insurance company paid.
   — Rosario T.

July 17, 2002
I didn't have to pay $500.00, but I did have to pay (in full) for my initial consultation upfront. The insurance coordinator at my doctors office told me, several insurance companies do not cover the initial consultation visit. They are to reimburse me once they receive payment from the insurance company. (I had even told the office before my appointment that I knew my insurace [United Healthcare] would cover the visit and they still required payment.) I truly don't care about them requiring the money upfront. I am focused on my surgery and I know that I will get the money back. Best wishes for your journey! Joy
   — Sue J.

July 17, 2002
Yes, I had to do the same.With my surgeon, they will do the surgery regardless of insurance approval. You have to sign paperwork that states this and that you are ultimately responsible for any charges not covered by insurance. It is a bit risky for me, but worth it becasue I am getting a needed surgery and good surgeon. It also took off some of my stress at having to worry if my surgery would be approved.
   — Tami D.

July 17, 2002
That sounds crazzy. Call your insurance to see what they need to get someone approved for the procedure, so you know what hoops you have to jump through. Then reserch another Doctor. Good luck to you! It is frustrating to have your future determined by so many strangers.
   — sadierussell

July 17, 2002
I had to pay for the initial consultation $242.00 upfront. Insurance company stated that this was not a covered charge. I also had to pay for the Psy consult $375.00 upfront..but insurance did reimburse for that.
   — Marcia B.

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