So long story semi-short. My GP referred me to see a specialist about an issue last October. I was on a silver-tier Obamacare plan, and had not yet met the deductible....so this visit would be all out of pocket. The specialist she originally referred to was not covered on my plan. So I did some research, and found another specialist within the same hospital system who is covered.
I asked my GP if the doctor I found was qualified to handle this specific issue. She said he was. I looked on his personal page on the hospital website, and my issue was listed under his competencies. When I called his office to schedule the appointment, I confirmed with the scheduling person that he in fact handles this issue...I was assured he does.
So the date of the appointment comes and I arrive 15 minutes early. I waited a total of 3 hours past my scheduled time between the waiting room and in the exam room. Finally the doctor walks in. He sits down, looks at my chart, and all he basically tells me is he's not sure how to handle this, and I should see another specialist who is better qualified (who happens to be the one originally referred by my GP). He sticks a finger up my bum to check my prostate (my GP could have done this). Then leaves. Total time - 5-10 minutes.
2 months later I receive a bill in the mail for $365. I was pretty shocked. I couldn't believe I was billed that much just to be referred to another doctor. I'm especially pissed because I was told by 3 different sources within their own hospital system, including his office, that he could handle this. I specifically told my GP I couldn't afford to waste this appointment & asked how to get the most out of it because it would be out of pocket. I even asked her to prescribe whatever tests she'd think the specialist would order ahead of time, so I could have them ready when I went there. That way I wouldn't waste an appointment just to be told "we need to run some tests".
So I call the hospital billing department to explain the situation and ask about a reduction...they get very defensive and tell me theres nothing they can do. I called the specialist's office, and the billing assistant on staff told me there was nothing they could do. Since I walked in the door, I would be billed as a new patient...and thats what it costs.
I told her I understood that, but I was billed for a service I didn't receive in full. Its like if I were to take my car to a body shop, and they tell me they can't fix this issue, and then hands me a bill for $365
I asked if there was a patient advocate or someone with the hospital I could talk to, and they tell me there isn't. This is one of the largest and highest rated hospital systems in the country btw.
Wondering if anybody has any other suggestions here. I'm ok with paying something, but $365 is just insane for the service provided. I still need to pay for the visit with the specialist who can handle it.
TL;DR Being billed $365 for an appointment where the doctor didn't do anything.
Submitted January 24, 2017 at 12:28AM by DontMicrowaveCats http://ift.tt/2jrvE7X
