Paying Cash at Urgent Care
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@johnhooks said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@johnhooks said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@NetworkNerd said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@NetworkNerd said:
Yep - that's about what they told me when I called a few minutes ago. And I have no clue what to expect a procedure like draining the puss / fluid from a kid's toe to cost. They couldn't tell me either (or just plain wouldn't).
Yup, wouldn't. They can't make their money if they agree to a price.
The good news is I was able to get here worked in at her pediatrician's office. The visit is only $84 (not nearly as hefty), and they will bill us for the rest. I'm not sure what that will be, but at least I don't have to pay an unknown amount up front.
But you still have to pay an unknown amount.
Only up to $300.
How does that work? Am I missing something?
The HSN covers after $300.
Oh, okay. I get it now.
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@johnhooks said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@johnhooks said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@NetworkNerd said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@NetworkNerd said:
Yep - that's about what they told me when I called a few minutes ago. And I have no clue what to expect a procedure like draining the puss / fluid from a kid's toe to cost. They couldn't tell me either (or just plain wouldn't).
Yup, wouldn't. They can't make their money if they agree to a price.
The good news is I was able to get here worked in at her pediatrician's office. The visit is only $84 (not nearly as hefty), and they will bill us for the rest. I'm not sure what that will be, but at least I don't have to pay an unknown amount up front.
But you still have to pay an unknown amount.
Only up to $300.
How does that work? Am I missing something?
The HSN covers after $300.
The idea is you are supposed to cover up to $300 in medical bills on your own and can submit a need to the group if you end up with a bill higher than that.
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@JaredBusch said:
@johnhooks said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@johnhooks said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@NetworkNerd said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@NetworkNerd said:
Yep - that's about what they told me when I called a few minutes ago. And I have no clue what to expect a procedure like draining the puss / fluid from a kid's toe to cost. They couldn't tell me either (or just plain wouldn't).
Yup, wouldn't. They can't make their money if they agree to a price.
The good news is I was able to get here worked in at her pediatrician's office. The visit is only $84 (not nearly as hefty), and they will bill us for the rest. I'm not sure what that will be, but at least I don't have to pay an unknown amount up front.
But you still have to pay an unknown amount.
Only up to $300.
How does that work? Am I missing something?
The HSN covers after $300.
The idea is you are supposed to cover up to $300 in medical bills on your own and can submit a need to the group if you end up with a bill higher than that.
Right. Now I understand. The bill is of an unknown amount, but the personal risk is only up to $300.
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I looked into them a while back. Samaritan looked like the best option of the HSNs. There is another one (the name is escaping me at the moment) and it worked more like an actual insurance plan, but it was much more expensive.
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@johnhooks said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@johnhooks said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@NetworkNerd said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@NetworkNerd said:
Yep - that's about what they told me when I called a few minutes ago. And I have no clue what to expect a procedure like draining the puss / fluid from a kid's toe to cost. They couldn't tell me either (or just plain wouldn't).
Yup, wouldn't. They can't make their money if they agree to a price.
The good news is I was able to get here worked in at her pediatrician's office. The visit is only $84 (not nearly as hefty), and they will bill us for the rest. I'm not sure what that will be, but at least I don't have to pay an unknown amount up front.
But you still have to pay an unknown amount.
Only up to $300.
How does that work? Am I missing something?
The HSN covers after $300.
Yes, they do, but you get reimbursed later. So if you are expected to pay $1200 on the spot, for example, it's on you to have the cash available.
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@NetworkNerd said:
@johnhooks said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@johnhooks said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@NetworkNerd said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@NetworkNerd said:
Yep - that's about what they told me when I called a few minutes ago. And I have no clue what to expect a procedure like draining the puss / fluid from a kid's toe to cost. They couldn't tell me either (or just plain wouldn't).
Yup, wouldn't. They can't make their money if they agree to a price.
The good news is I was able to get here worked in at her pediatrician's office. The visit is only $84 (not nearly as hefty), and they will bill us for the rest. I'm not sure what that will be, but at least I don't have to pay an unknown amount up front.
But you still have to pay an unknown amount.
Only up to $300.
How does that work? Am I missing something?
The HSN covers after $300.
Yes, they do, but you get reimbursed later. So if you are expected to pay $1200 on the spot, for example, it's on you to have the cash available.
Makes sense.
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@johnhooks said:
I looked into them a while back. Samaritan looked like the best option of the HSNs. There is another one (the name is escaping me at the moment) and it worked more like an actual insurance plan, but it was much more expensive.
We looked into one or two of them and they seemed scary. Not from a numbers standpoint, but from how you send random people money and not very many oversights and such.
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@NetworkNerd said:
@johnhooks said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@johnhooks said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@NetworkNerd said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@NetworkNerd said:
Yep - that's about what they told me when I called a few minutes ago. And I have no clue what to expect a procedure like draining the puss / fluid from a kid's toe to cost. They couldn't tell me either (or just plain wouldn't).
Yup, wouldn't. They can't make their money if they agree to a price.
The good news is I was able to get here worked in at her pediatrician's office. The visit is only $84 (not nearly as hefty), and they will bill us for the rest. I'm not sure what that will be, but at least I don't have to pay an unknown amount up front.
But you still have to pay an unknown amount.
Only up to $300.
How does that work? Am I missing something?
The HSN covers after $300.
Yes, they do, but you get reimbursed later. So if you are expected to pay $1200 on the spot, for example, it's on you to have the cash available.
Right. But if the bill payment can be deferred for a long enough time you can just pay it with the cash coming in. I don't know how long it takes for the money to come in. I would hope those who control who is told to send the money uses people in as close to an area as they can.
That's a terrible sentence.
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@scottalanmiller said:
@johnhooks said:
I looked into them a while back. Samaritan looked like the best option of the HSNs. There is another one (the name is escaping me at the moment) and it worked more like an actual insurance plan, but it was much more expensive.
We looked into one or two of them and they seemed scary. Not from a numbers standpoint, but from how you send random people money and not very many oversights and such.
It revolves around the christian concept of trust and helping one another.
Needs are supposed to be verified before being broadcast.
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@JaredBusch said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@johnhooks said:
I looked into them a while back. Samaritan looked like the best option of the HSNs. There is another one (the name is escaping me at the moment) and it worked more like an actual insurance plan, but it was much more expensive.
We looked into one or two of them and they seemed scary. Not from a numbers standpoint, but from how you send random people money and not very many oversights and such.
It revolves around the christian concept of trust and helping one another.
Needs are supposed to be verified before being broadcast.
Ya, you need to follow certain standards to qualify and you need a letter of recommendation (not the right term) from your pastor.
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@NetworkNerd said:
@Minion-Queen said:
For me here in Western NY it costs me about $165 but that is just for the service fee doesn't cover any procedures beyond looking for ear infections sinus infections etc. If you have anything beyond that done all of that is extra.
Yep - that's about what they told me when I called a few minutes ago. And I have no clue what to expect a procedure like draining the puss / fluid from a kid's toe to cost. They couldn't tell me either (or just plain wouldn't).
I would demand a price before allowing service... hell walk in with $2000 cash in hand ready to show that you are ready to pay if needed, but need a price upfront. It's not life or death so you can walk away and go somewhere else.
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Even though the rest over $300 is hopefully covered, no reason to be railroaded by the healthcare system if you can help it.
Also, you look like a cash customer to them. You show the willingness to pay it all now, no financing, I bet they are even more willing to give you a better price - they know your account won't be going to collections, they won't be having to hassle with your account at all.
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I had poison ivy several years ago. I called the dermatologist and ask how much a normal visit costs. They told me, let's say $125 - OK fine plus meds, etc..
So I go, and get a bill for $145 - I asked - hey I called and you said it was $125...
They said "ohhh. .well you have asthma, that's a higher rating and a higher billing rate"
I checked with the billing manager at my office - yep.. they can charge more if you have designated pre existing conditions.
Of course I was completely surprised by this. Luckily I don't visit the doctor, so I had no idea off this. and was rather irked that the billing person I spoke to didn't leave any room in our discussion for the possibility of the price being higher because of pre existing conditions. -
@Dashrender said:
I had poison ivy several years ago. I called the dermatologist and ask how much a normal visit costs. They told me, let's say $125 - OK fine plus meds, etc..
So I go, and get a bill for $145 - I asked - hey I called and you said it was $125...
They said "ohhh. .well you have asthma, that's a higher rating and a higher billing rate"
I checked with the billing manager at my office - yep.. they can charge more if you have designated pre existing conditions.
Of course I was completely surprised by this. Luckily I don't visit the doctor, so I had no idea off this. and was rather irked that the billing person I spoke to didn't leave any room in our discussion for the possibility of the price being higher because of pre existing conditions.That's called bait and switch and isn't legal. That they can charge more, sure. That they can quote and lie, no.
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@scottalanmiller said:
@Dashrender said:
I had poison ivy several years ago. I called the dermatologist and ask how much a normal visit costs. They told me, let's say $125 - OK fine plus meds, etc..
So I go, and get a bill for $145 - I asked - hey I called and you said it was $125...
They said "ohhh. .well you have asthma, that's a higher rating and a higher billing rate"
I checked with the billing manager at my office - yep.. they can charge more if you have designated pre existing conditions.
Of course I was completely surprised by this. Luckily I don't visit the doctor, so I had no idea off this. and was rather irked that the billing person I spoke to didn't leave any room in our discussion for the possibility of the price being higher because of pre existing conditions.That's called bait and switch and isn't legal. That they can charge more, sure. That they can quote and lie, no.
That's an interesting point - I'm guessing it's to late to pursue it today... I will have to remember that the next time I call for pricing.
The impossible thing is getting them to give it in writing before hand.
I called my insurance company last week. They point blank told me that they couldn't confirm 100% if something was covered until after the doctor submitted the billing. Now this seems like a BS thing! and like Scott, this is a huge reason I hate the system in the US.
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@Dashrender said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@Dashrender said:
I had poison ivy several years ago. I called the dermatologist and ask how much a normal visit costs. They told me, let's say $125 - OK fine plus meds, etc..
So I go, and get a bill for $145 - I asked - hey I called and you said it was $125...
They said "ohhh. .well you have asthma, that's a higher rating and a higher billing rate"
I checked with the billing manager at my office - yep.. they can charge more if you have designated pre existing conditions.
Of course I was completely surprised by this. Luckily I don't visit the doctor, so I had no idea off this. and was rather irked that the billing person I spoke to didn't leave any room in our discussion for the possibility of the price being higher because of pre existing conditions.That's called bait and switch and isn't legal. That they can charge more, sure. That they can quote and lie, no.
That's an interesting point - I'm guessing it's to late to pursue it today... I will have to remember that the next time I call for pricing.
The impossible thing is getting them to give it in writing before hand.
In some cases you can record the phone call.
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@Dashrender said:
I called my insurance company last week. They point blank told me that they couldn't confirm 100% if something was covered until after the doctor submitted the billing. Now this seems like a BS thing! and like Scott, this is a huge reason I hate the system in the US.
Yeah... what they are saying is that it is the BILLING that they cover or don't cover, not the procedure. It's to the point that they don't even hide this any more. They don't even pretend that they are covering your medical needs. If the doctor says you are going to die but uses a form the insurance company doesn't "like", tough, pay out of pocket. Surprise.
There is no such thing as guaranteed insurance in the US. You are requires to pay for something that is smoke and mirrors. You have no choice but to pay, but there is no requirement for them to provide coverage.
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@scottalanmiller said:
@Dashrender said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@Dashrender said:
I had poison ivy several years ago. I called the dermatologist and ask how much a normal visit costs. They told me, let's say $125 - OK fine plus meds, etc..
So I go, and get a bill for $145 - I asked - hey I called and you said it was $125...
They said "ohhh. .well you have asthma, that's a higher rating and a higher billing rate"
I checked with the billing manager at my office - yep.. they can charge more if you have designated pre existing conditions.
Of course I was completely surprised by this. Luckily I don't visit the doctor, so I had no idea off this. and was rather irked that the billing person I spoke to didn't leave any room in our discussion for the possibility of the price being higher because of pre existing conditions.That's called bait and switch and isn't legal. That they can charge more, sure. That they can quote and lie, no.
That's an interesting point - I'm guessing it's to late to pursue it today... I will have to remember that the next time I call for pricing.
The impossible thing is getting them to give it in writing before hand.
In some cases you can record the phone call.
What I wonder about is if there is a clause in my insurance that prevents me from litigation because there is an contract price between them and my insurance carrrier, and even though this part was being completely covered by my deductible as part of my high deductible plan, I'm guessing I wouldn't have a leg to stand on.
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@Dashrender said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@Dashrender said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@Dashrender said:
I had poison ivy several years ago. I called the dermatologist and ask how much a normal visit costs. They told me, let's say $125 - OK fine plus meds, etc..
So I go, and get a bill for $145 - I asked - hey I called and you said it was $125...
They said "ohhh. .well you have asthma, that's a higher rating and a higher billing rate"
I checked with the billing manager at my office - yep.. they can charge more if you have designated pre existing conditions.
Of course I was completely surprised by this. Luckily I don't visit the doctor, so I had no idea off this. and was rather irked that the billing person I spoke to didn't leave any room in our discussion for the possibility of the price being higher because of pre existing conditions.That's called bait and switch and isn't legal. That they can charge more, sure. That they can quote and lie, no.
That's an interesting point - I'm guessing it's to late to pursue it today... I will have to remember that the next time I call for pricing.
The impossible thing is getting them to give it in writing before hand.
In some cases you can record the phone call.
What I wonder about is if there is a clause in my insurance that prevents me from litigation because there is an contract price between them and my insurance carrrier, and even though this part was being completely covered by my deductible as part of my high deductible plan, I'm guessing I wouldn't have a leg to stand on.
That there is a clause and that the clause is legal are two different things. There might be and it might be, but there is every possibility that they assume that you'll never get a lawyer and they are off the hook, and 99% of the time that's true. They know that a lawyer will cost even more than paying the bill yourself, so they have really no risk that's to the legal system.
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sad by true.
