More health care providers demanding up-front payment

[Hello_Kitty]

Some DUers deny this happens.


For Jeff Needham of Oldsmar, it was $1,500 before a surgery to place tubes in the ears of his 1-year-old son.

For Rose Casey of Homosassa, it was $600 before a procedure to reshape her cornea.

More and more, doctors and other health practitioners are asking patients — even those with insurance — to pay their share of the costs up front, either before they are treated or before they leave the office.

Providers say the practice isn't entirely new. But with patients now shouldering a greater share of health costs, through insurance plans with higher deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance, they acknowledge a bigger push to collect fees at the time of service. It's more difficult, less successful and more costly to collect from patients after they walk out the door, they say.

But for patients used to a small co-pay, or getting a bill after insurance pays its share, it's a culture shift.


http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/article991061.ece

[meow2u3]

1. This sounds like the latest scam

Up-front fees before an operation --is the mob involved?

[Lars39]

2. Thanks for posting this, Hello_Kitty.

Seems we have quite a few here denying this even occurs. Some offices are also asking for any past due balances before you can be seen by the doctor.

[riderinthestorm]

14. Yup, there are plenty here who deny this happens. nt

[chill_wind]

3. k & R.

[laughingliberal]

4. K & R nt

[Oregone]

5. Too bad America can't be a place where co-pays & deductibles don't exist

Unfortunately, the powers that be have decided that the expensive involvement of the private market, and their plans designed to cause rationing among poor people, are entirely permissible for the greater good.

[Hello_Kitty]

6. Unfortunately, much of the "cost savings" in the HCR bill are just shifting them onto the patient

Making it "deficit neutral" was more important than delivering care.

[leftstreet]

7. But, but, the Bill was signed with a special pen!

[SoCalDem]

8. Wouldn't this one be more appropriate?

[leftstreet]

10. LOL

:-)

[DRoseDARs]

11. Signed with 22 pens, actually.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliable-source/2010/03/health_care_reform_why_so_many.html

I'm just sayin'... :shrug:

[Oregone]

9. Itll be interesting to see how many employers toss low deductible plans for exchange plans

Then everyone can say health costs are lower, while less people can afford to use their insurance. I guess we will see if the average national actuarial value drops.


"Making it "deficit neutral" was more important than delivering care."

Very sad

[depakid]

12. Expect to see more and more of this as more people's coverage weakens over time

Given that the rate of medical bankruptcies won't be abated, if one were a provider or clinic manager, it would be difficult in many instances not to institute these sorts of policies.

[Stinky The Clown]

13. Some are asking for it all up front

Then you're on your own to argue with the insurance company and get reimbursed.