Charged because physician asked me a question during my physical

[Anonymous]

I received a bill for my physical because my physician asked me a question. It seemed to be curiosity about my rare cancer which my primary has never treated and wasn’t even part of diagnosing.

Basically, the question was about a cancer medication I take. The doctor asked me if I was still taking it. I said yes. He asked me was I aware of how toxic it is. I said yes, but my oncologist monitors me and I shrugged “What else am I supposed to do?” He nodded.

When I got the bill, I messaged to ask why I was charged for a physical. He said it was because we discussed my options to taking the medication!

We didn’t discuss my options. I don’t have any. If I did my oncologist would have presented them.

[Anonymous]

I would notify the doctor that you will not be paying the bill. He initiated the question.

[Anonymous]

Yep, that's a common trick.

[Anonymous]

It is medical billing fraud- that isn't enough to count as a consultation on that issue.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Happens EVERY time to me. In fact, it didn't happen at my kid's well visit this year and I was shocked.

[Anonymous]

Similar has happened to me, and something tells me if you file a complaint nothing will done for another 4 years.

[Anonymous]

Find a new doctor.

[Anonymous]

During my annual exam, my doctor always does a medication review. Most of my meds, he manages. And one is managed elsewhere. He will give me an opinion about the one managed elsewhere because it’s part of everything I take. I get billed for the annual exam nothing more.

You’re being ripped off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:During my annual exam, my doctor always does a medication review. Most of my meds, he manages. And one is managed elsewhere. He will give me an opinion about the one managed elsewhere because it’s part of everything I take. I get billed for the annual exam nothing more.

You’re being ripped off.

Agreed that OP needs to fight the charge, but you shouldn’t be billed for an annual physical or annual well visit. They’re preventative.

[Anonymous]

I'd probably call and say that you noticed an accidental charge on your bill. You had a physical on X date and it was a normal physical with no additional consultation. If the doctor disagrees, they can reach me at 202-111-2222 so I can remind them. Otherwise, please remove the charge.

[Anonymous]

Can we cluster these threads together? This is the third one in 2 weeks. Or make a pinned thread?

[Anonymous]

Was this at VHC?

[Anonymous]

Just lie and say you don't take any. Problem solved. It's clear that they can't do anything anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:During my annual exam, my doctor always does a medication review. Most of my meds, he manages. And one is managed elsewhere. He will give me an opinion about the one managed elsewhere because it’s part of everything I take. I get billed for the annual exam nothing more.

You’re being ripped off.

Agreed that OP needs to fight the charge, but you shouldn’t be billed for an annual physical or annual well visit. They’re preventative.

Yes, you’re right! It shows on my statements as a $0 charge. What I originally wrote wasn’t clear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can we cluster these threads together? This is the third one in 2 weeks. Or make a pinned thread?

Agreed. It would also be helpful to see a recommendation list of all medical and dental professionals who are not scamming in the DMV.