Well, my favorite ophthalmologist also referred to me an optometrist at University Hospital, because he wants me to switch contact lens brands. I had heard through the grapevine that this doctor doesn't take insurance, though, so I just called the hospital to see how much this little checkup was going to cost me.
Me: Hi, I have an appointment with the doctor coming up and wanted to make sure that she took my insurance.
Receptionist: Umm...well, we have you down for a new contact visit and she doesn't accept insurance for that.
Me: Oh, well how much does an appointment like that typically cost?
Receptionist: $120 and up.
Me: Oh. Really? Can you cancel my appointment then?
Receptionist: Absolutely.
I hope my favorite ophthalmologist doesn't get mad at me for going to a non-University Hospital optometrist, but seriously people, I already pay an obnoxious price for medical insurance (although, it should be noted that there were times when I was a writer that I didn't have insurance, so yay for insurance!). After getting price-gouged for university insurance to cover services that I rarely use, did he really expect me to see a doctor who runs a cash only practice? Seriously, stop joking.
Also, I think medical practices who don't accept insurance should be obligated to say so up front. What if I had shown up for my appointment, not having been in the University Hospital information loop, and been surprised by my whopping $120+ service charge? Not cool. Not cool at all, doctors.
7 comments:
In my (very limited) experience, whenever I've made an appt with a new doc, they ALWAYS ask for my insurance info when I make the appt. I'd be really curious what was so special and awesome about this alternate contact lens brand.
As a side note, I had a friend who needed an MRI during med school, and she totally got out of having to pay the bill. Which was a good thing. MRIs are expensive!
I'm saying, Old MD Girl! It would be a great idea to ask about insurance up front! Unfortunately, I've only had a hanful of doctors do that. Usually, I call and ask because I don't want to get there and realize that I've wasted my time.
I have no idea what is so special about this doctor. There are plenty of others, who accept my insurance, who should be equally capable of recommending a new lens.
that is crazy! and YES soooo thankful for insurance.
To play devil's advocate, I heard dealing with insurance companies is a pain on the doctor's side, so they may "forget" to mention coverage to just get the business/actual practice going.
Nonetheless, poh' folk like me need to know wassup!!
hey loving the changes around here...suhweet!! cute fonts and header!
I am confused - how come a doctor doesn't accept insurance?? That seems so strange to me.
I am a Canadian of course so I am constantly confused as to what's going on with that American system over there ;)
I think it's fine that you are finding a place that you can AFFORD!!! Seeing as the opthamologist gave you a FREE appointment, he will understand that $ is a deciding factor to you as far as being seen by a doctor is concerned. He gets it!
Hey Amber,
So, some doctors choose to run "cash only" practices because they don't want to deal with the hassle of insurance billing and reimbursements. It limits the paperwork and patient population too, since a regular doctor might end up getting paid pennies by Medicaid (government insurance for indigents) or other insurance, whereas a cash only practice has the option to turn people who can't pay away. For some reason, cash-only doctors develop a reputation of being exceptional, because people will pay ridiculous sums of money to see them. I, on the other hand, do not have ridiculous sums of money to spend. I also pay for insurance that I very well intend to use!
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