Question:
Has anyone used Forest Park Hospital in St.Louis & had to pay co-pay upfront?

Pre-op tests were 4/12, surgery is 4/17. Today during pre-registration I was told to bring a check for deductible and co-pay on day of surgery. My insurance is excellent, but I still don't want to come up with $1,000.00. Anyone else in St. Louis using Forest Park have this situation and did you have balance billed?    — Randy L. (posted on April 12, 2001)

April 12, 2001
Randy, I had surgery at Forest Park in March and they did not have me pay anything else. My insurance is a HMO, but I think I would give call the insurance company and ask if they know anything about why you would need to do this. Good Luck !!!!!
   — Debra L.

April 12, 2001
It is quite common for any dr or hospital to want the copayment upfront. Most dr offices have a sign at the receptionist's desk stating that payment is required at the time of service but that they will file insurance for their portion. But they still expect you to pay your portion upfront. Many will work with you if you kindly ask. My medical pays 100 percent except for $10 copays per visit. But my dental only pays 50 or 80 percent and my dentist likes my portion at each service visit. Which is fine with me. Try to work with them, maybe they won't insist on all of it at one time.
   — Pamela W.