Question:
Having surgery at MUSC, have question...

I am having surgery next Wednesday (9/3/03) and got a call last week from the MUSC billing dept and the woman I spoke to told me my portion and asked me if I could bring in $200 the day of surgery. I told her I could try to get the money together and she told me to just bring in $50 and the rest would be billed as normal after surgery. This morning I get a call from a Deborah who tells me she mailed me a packet a couple of days ago and that I need to send $2000 (this is the amount that my insurance won't pay) 5 days before surgery (WHAT?!?!?) I talked to Joyce who again confirms that this is policy! Trying to fight back the tears I ask why I was told nothing of this policy in the last year while I sat and waited for Sep 3rd to arrive. I have talked to a couple of people in billing before now who all say have the surgery and the bills will come. This Deborah lady is telling me it's Dr. Byrne's policy, Joyce is telling me it is the UMA's policy. I called a number in the phone book for "UMA" and was told they do nothing with pre-op billing, it's all post-op. I know this sounds confusing, but if anyone has any insight on what I am talking about please help me. I don't have $2000 and dont want to wait another year while I come up with the money. I am just so upset right now... Belinda [email protected]    — Belinda M. (posted on August 27, 2003)

August 27, 2003
Dare I suggest that you just go to the hospital as scheduled and let them bill you? I was told I had a $500 co pay due to the hospital for my surgery. The hospital asked for it up front. I couldn't afford it (didn't tell them that) I told them to send me a bill. They said OK. I got the bill before surgery and didn't pay it until well after- in payments no less. No problems. The lady in admitting isn't going to be sitting there with a bill, waiting for you to hand her a check - that's not her job. Anyway, that's what I would do. I realize there's a level of anxiety and uncertainty associated with it. So, you have to decide for yourself. But, think of this- you can't afford that money up front, so just go and see what happens. Worst case scenario is that they won't take you, which is what would happen if you made a big deal with them about not being able to pay ahead of time anyway. They really don't sound like they have an organized system (or much of a clue) So what are the chances they would stop you if you didn't pay up front? About zero, I would think. LASTLY- you've been given two conflicting sets of information. Who says you have to accept the information that says you have to pay more? What makes her more right than the other woman? Nothing. So go ahead and bring in your $50- don't ask any more questions. That's what she told you. right? Just my two cents. OH_ YEAH I ALMOST FORGOT THIS LAST TIDBIT! If your surgeon and hospital have a contract with your insurance company (you know they do if they'reconsiderd in-network providers), it is against their contract with the insurance company to charge the patient for excess fees that the insurance won't pay. They are contracted to be paid a certain rate, which they accept by being members of an insurance group. (another good reason to ignore the request)You could speak to your insurance company(in vague terms of course- so you don't get anyone in any needless trouble) about it too. Email me if you want to talk about it some more....
   — LMCLILLY