Ladies only: Beware of this 3d mamogram billing scam

[lindysalsagal]

I finally got a human on the phone at the radiology center and explained they can't bill me for 3d unless they tell me they're using 3d and I'm not covered by my insurance. Not sure yet, but I think I won, because they can't prove I was told or asked.

So, here it is in the order of events:

1. Go do my annual in the same place with what looked like the same machine as always. I've never paid for mamo or sonograms or xrays on my plan. (Yep: It's a good one.)

2. I get an ugly bill from them saying I owe them $128.

3. I call them and tell them I'm not paying.

4. More bills come.

5. I try the phone number listed for help and it won't ring....My health care co can't get through either, but explains that I'm not covered for 3d and it was 3d. I had no idea it was 3d: They didn't ask, tell or warn me that I might get a bill later. Nada. AND my doc didn't prescribe a 3d. So they got nuttin'.



So, ladies, now that there is this new technology, you have to find out what you're covered for and ask at the appt. if the machine matches your coverage.

[valerief]

1. Thanks for the info!

[myrna minx]

2. K&R - thank you.

[Doctor_J]

3. And a big thanks to all who support for profit healthcare.

You are a big chunk of the problem.

[Texasgal]

8. Well gee... thanks?

We don't have time to wait for better healthcare, yes we want it! But our tests still need to be run.

So.. umm thanks? Should I just wait a few years?

[Contrary1]

4. A little advice from a breast cancer survivor:

Demand copies of all written reports. after your exams. View the films. Learn the lingo, and compare them from one year to the next.

I wish I had done that. If I had, I would not have put my trust in that "all clear" postcard I received eight months prior to my diagnosis.

You are your own best advocate.

[lindysalsagal]

5. Glad you beat it!!!!

Someday we'll really figure it all out.

[RobinA]

6. I Got A Version

of this. I got my second 3D mammo. First two years ago no problem. This year rolls around and I get a bill for $123. Now, it's in network and I have Cadillac health insurance, so I pay deductible and co-pay at Dr's. That's it. There's no co-pay on mammos. The bill is from the "provider" and says call if there's a question. So I call and say I'm billed this amount and I shouldn't have been. They say, OK, will take it off. And they do. No argument, no question. They were just seeing if they could get away with it. Sleazy.

[Dalai_1]

7. Last year I had a 3-D per my request

Medicare paid for thier basic fee and I paid an upfront cost of $40.00.
This year the upfront fee was $70.00 and they submitted it to Medicare.
My supplement picked up the balance. I have no yearly deductible with my policy.

[spanone]

9. i'm male & i had a mamogram

it happens...

[lindysalsagal]

10. Just wait for your pelvic exam....

Sorry! Too easy to resist! I sincerely hope all went well!

[spanone]

11. it did, thanks !!!!!