raccoon
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Wed Sep-08-10 02:35 PM
Original message |
Anyone ever negotiated the price of a medical procedure? |
|
Because of my age (over 50), my doctor said I should have a colonoscopy. I have an individual medical policy with a humongous deductible, which means I'd be paying for this out of pocket.
The doctor suggested I call around and ask some providers what they would charge if I paid them in cash.
Anyone ever done this?
And by the way, the doctor said a lot of his patients don’t have insurance.
|
phantom power
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Wed Sep-08-10 02:38 PM
Response to Original message |
1. I've heard of it, but never done it. In our brave new crappy-insurance world... |
|
I suppose it's a skill we should all consider learning.
|
RUMMYisFROSTED
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Wed Sep-08-10 02:38 PM
Response to Original message |
sinkingfeeling
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Wed Sep-08-10 02:38 PM
Response to Original message |
3. No, I haven't done that for my self, just pets, but don't forget to ask how many chickens they'd |
cbdo2007
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Wed Sep-08-10 02:40 PM
Response to Original message |
4. Check Dave Ramsey's website - he gives lots of good advice on this |
|
I think you can search through shows to see what people said about this, and he may even have a step-by-step guide.
I know Dave Ramsey doesn't get much love here at DU, but he's been telling people for years that anything can be negotiated and he walks people through the process daily on his radio show.
Good luck!
|
Vinca
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Wed Sep-08-10 02:43 PM
Response to Original message |
5. A couple of years ago I had my hip x-rayed and there were 2 bills, |
|
1 from the hospital and 1 from the radiologist. The hospital charged me full tilt (I'm uninsured) and I paid. The radiologist's office called and asked for my mailing address, though, and I mentioned I was uninsured and asked if they might be able to reduce their fee a bit. I nearly fell over when I got the bill. What would normally have been $200 was billed for $20. I couldn't write a check fast enough to them. It restored my faith in mankind (for a couple of days anyway). I'd definitely ask around re the colonoscopy.
|
renate
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Wed Sep-08-10 02:48 PM
Response to Reply #5 |
7. awww.... that's a great story! |
|
I'm sure karma will be very good to that doctor. :loveya:
|
uncommon
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Thu Sep-09-10 08:40 AM
Response to Reply #5 |
15. That's really wonderful. |
|
I'm glad that worked out well for you.
|
TalkingDog
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Wed Sep-08-10 02:46 PM
Response to Original message |
6. I've actually bartered my artwork for treatment. |
|
But it's not something I'd want to do every day. (mostly because money-wise the doctor got a lot of artwork for a little treatment)
|
Change Happens
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Wed Sep-08-10 02:48 PM
Response to Original message |
8. I have and it worked...Actually paid off for me to shop before I had to ask, as I called |
|
around, I found certain places charge way less than others...I had a $2200.00 quote for a sonogram, ended up paying $460.00!!! The $460.00 was $100.00 off.
|
Ian David
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Wed Sep-08-10 02:52 PM
Response to Original message |
9. No, but I did once have a dentist ask me for a loan. n/t |
zipplewrath
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Wed Sep-08-10 02:56 PM
Response to Original message |
|
It may be hard to find out who you need to speak to, you may have to visit directly. But someone knows, they often have title like "account managers" or "billing specialists". Find out who the largest insurers in your area are, and ask the provider what they charge that company. Ask for that rate. Also, I got all my pre-procedure medications over the counter. Don't use a perscriptions for that part unless you have to. And go on line and look for coupons. And ask if there is a time of day/week/year that is cheaper/better for them.
|
EC
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Wed Sep-08-10 03:49 PM
Response to Original message |
11. Ask him if you can do the smear test first to see if |
|
the colonoscopy is warrented?
|
raccoon
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Thu Sep-09-10 07:53 AM
Response to Reply #11 |
12. Elucidate, my dear Watson. PM me if you like. nt |
EC
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Thu Sep-09-10 10:53 AM
Response to Reply #12 |
|
Testing of smears of gastric specimen on slides to determine if there is blood in the stool...it would indicate if a colonscapy is needed...There are home tests you can do at home and take the cardboard slides to the lab to have tested...but your doctor would have to provide the kit I think - maybe a clinic would have them... It's called Hemoccult routine screening test for fecal occult blood.
|
WinkyDink
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Thu Sep-09-10 12:14 PM
Response to Reply #11 |
21. The age factor alone makes it warranted. |
cynatnite
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Thu Sep-09-10 07:57 AM
Response to Original message |
13. Some practices offer discounts to patients who pay cash... |
|
Before our son was put on Coverkids, we got upwards of 60% off office visits and labwork. It doesn't hurt to call around and check into it. Good luck.
|
DawgHouse
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Thu Sep-09-10 08:25 AM
Response to Original message |
14. My friend recently had a colonscopy and she called around to |
|
get prices from different doctors. The prices varied and the lowest price she found was 900.00 for the test. The other day she got a bill for 600.00 for the anesthesia and she wasn't expecting that. She thought the 900.00 included everything.
She was not in a position to say "I have cash" so I wonder how that may have affected her final costs. Good luck!
|
XOKCowboy
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Thu Sep-09-10 10:57 AM
Response to Original message |
17. A friend just did that. Colonoscopy and endoscopy |
|
The doctor basically said it'd be around $3000 if he made payments and $1600 for cash. He had the scopes, paid his money and is now dealing with all of the insurance companies who are calling offering (outrageously priced) medical coverage.
|
JPZenger
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Thu Sep-09-10 10:57 AM
Response to Original message |
18. Radiologist Says he Cuts Prices When Asked |
|
I know a radiologist who ways he cuts his fee whenever a person asks and has real need.
I'm guessing it may be easier to get a discount from a smaller operation than from a huge health conglomerate.
Many medical providers will reduce an out of pocket cost down to what the insurance company pays if the person asks. That is often negotiated as part of a payment plan when people call up after they get the bill.
|
Dr.Phool
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Thu Sep-09-10 12:08 PM
Response to Original message |
19. After United Healthcare refused to pay for my colonoscopy. |
|
The doctors office said (a year after the procedure), that since UH wasn't going to pay, they only charged 50% for self insured, and what had paid so far was considered payment in full.
|
AngryAmish
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
|
Thu Sep-09-10 12:11 PM
Response to Original message |
20. Cash-cash? Someone will do it for 25-33% of list price. |
DU
AdBot (1000+ posts) |
Wed Apr 24th 2024, 09:07 AM
Response to Original message |