Doctors charging crazy rates

[Anonymous]

We are in Virginia. Every time I see a doctor these days (or my child), I get hit with a $500+ bill after insurance. It seems crazy to me. The insurance company pushed us to get check ups so I dutifully took my daughter to a doctor recommended on their website. Apparently, we get "rewarded with a $25 gift card" if we do. Even though that seemed like a kickback to me, I took DD because she hadn't seen a doctor in over a year. Then I got a crazy bill. I assumed it was just that one place. So then, my other daughter needed a refill of a medicine she takes and I took her to another place. For the 15 minutes we were there, another $500 after insurance! That is crazy.

Who can pay for this? It's on top of the huge amount I already pay monthly. Thank god we are healthy because I can't imagine if I had to see a doctor regularly! Are people just paying 1/4 of their salaries for healthcare?

[Anonymous]

I don't understand what kind of insurance you have, because check ups should be free under Obamacare rules

[Anonymous]

Something about your story not adding up.

[Anonymous]

You probably have a high deductible policy, and bc you don’t have a lot of medical issues, you don’t hit the out-of-pocket max before the policy kicks in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand what kind of insurance you have, because check ups should be free under Obamacare rules

I know! It's Anthem Blue Cross. It says checkups should be free, and that a visit should only be $15. But for some reason, I'm getting hit with these crazy bills.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You probably have a high deductible policy, and bc you don’t have a lot of medical issues, you don’t hit the out-of-pocket max before the policy kicks in.

Annual check up is free even with a HDHP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand what kind of insurance you have, because check ups should be free under Obamacare rules

I know! It's Anthem Blue Cross. It says checkups should be free, and that a visit should only be $15. But for some reason, I'm getting hit with these crazy bills.

And yet you’re fine with your insurance company not paying it and instead blame the doctor?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand what kind of insurance you have, because check ups should be free under Obamacare rules

I know! It's Anthem Blue Cross. It says checkups should be free, and that a visit should only be $15. But for some reason, I'm getting hit with these crazy bills.

I suggest you read your insurance materials and call the insurance company if you have questions about the charges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand what kind of insurance you have, because check ups should be free under Obamacare rules

I know! It's Anthem Blue Cross. It says checkups should be free, and that a visit should only be $15. But for some reason, I'm getting hit with these crazy bills.

Confirm that the doctor is in network. Just because he/she is “recommended on their website”, doesn’t mean they are in network with your particular plan. Also, you should be getting an explanation of benefits (EOB) after every visit, so it will explain how the charges are broken down.

[Anonymous]

We also live in Va. We have BCBS Standard plan. I have not noticed much change in the regular care like annual check ups, mammo, sick visits to pediatrician. One exception, an ophthalomolgy consultation at No Va Ophthalmology Assoc for Strabismus (eye misalignment) was over $300! I checked and they are supposed to be in-network. I would hate to see how much it would be for out of network!

[Anonymous]

Why don't you ask your insurance company instead of random people on the Internet?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand what kind of insurance you have, because check ups should be free under Obamacare rules

I know! It's Anthem Blue Cross. It says checkups should be free, and that a visit should only be $15. But for some reason, I'm getting hit with these crazy bills.

And yet you’re fine with your insurance company not paying it and instead blame the doctor?

The insurance company says they paid their part and this is extra. I just posted to see if anyone else was having the same issue or if it is just me! Obviously I'm going to speak to both of them - doctor and insurance - to figure out what happened. So frustrating to have to do it though.

[Anonymous]

It definitely sounds like an insurance issue.

The other thing to note is the doctors themselves are not setting the rates. My Dad just retired from medicine last year and he said the doctors are increasingly being nickel and dime by the MBA types who have taken over many clinics and hospitals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand what kind of insurance you have, because check ups should be free under Obamacare rules

This. Checkups are free unless you are going to a doctor who doesn't take insurance. my GP doesn't take insurance and my bill is $1400 with bloodwork but my kids are free as long as I don't ask about anything besides check up stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand what kind of insurance you have, because check ups should be free under Obamacare rules

I know! It's Anthem Blue Cross. It says checkups should be free, and that a visit should only be $15. But for some reason, I'm getting hit with these crazy bills.

And yet you’re fine with your insurance company not paying it and instead blame the doctor?

The insurance company says they paid their part and this is extra. I just posted to see if anyone else was having the same issue or if it is just me! Obviously I'm going to speak to both of them - doctor and insurance - to figure out what happened. So frustrating to have to do it though.

An in-network doctor is supposed to accept what insurance pays, minus the co-pay and/or coinsurance (sometimes 20%, depending on the reason for the visit). Annual checkups should be free. You need to contact your insurance company to find out why you are paying $500 for an annual visit.