Not sure if this is the correct thread, but thought of some relevancy for PF/budgeting.
My DS had a pain under the foot due to some blisters, but appeared to be plantar warts. So we went to urgent care center (not emergency) and met with the physician on duty. He examined for about 5 mins and left the room only to return after 40 mins. Showed it to another physician and recommended a Podiatrist.
A week later, we received a bill for $259 after insurance. Description said - office visit, long. I inquired why this is so expensive and I was told that it is because of the patient's history and the medical decision taken for this treatment. Hence, its billed based on the treatment given and not on the time spent with the physician.
We then went to see a Podiatrist. Cleaned the area and applied a cream and band-aid. Something I was guessing I could've done by purchasing OTC medicine from CVS and do this ourselves. Anyway, the foot pain and issue went away after a week and then came the bill. It is whopping $375! Half of it was for new patient establishment. And this is after insurance again.
I am on HDHP plan with family deductible of $7400. And it has HSA acct that I contribute to. My issue is:
1. Are the bills for real?? (we haven't been to physicians for years, except for annual physicals).
2. Is there any way I can negotiate these bills? Urgent care bill is already nonnegotiable, I was told.
3. I have an option to dispute these charges. Not sure if I want to take that route.
4. Am I acting too anal about these bills?
I am unable to digest these hefty charges (it's worth one way trip to Southeast Asia in economy ). Did anyone encounter similar instances and what actions you took? Ofcourse, prevention is better than cure!
TIA.
My DS had a pain under the foot due to some blisters, but appeared to be plantar warts. So we went to urgent care center (not emergency) and met with the physician on duty. He examined for about 5 mins and left the room only to return after 40 mins. Showed it to another physician and recommended a Podiatrist.
A week later, we received a bill for $259 after insurance. Description said - office visit, long. I inquired why this is so expensive and I was told that it is because of the patient's history and the medical decision taken for this treatment. Hence, its billed based on the treatment given and not on the time spent with the physician.
We then went to see a Podiatrist. Cleaned the area and applied a cream and band-aid. Something I was guessing I could've done by purchasing OTC medicine from CVS and do this ourselves. Anyway, the foot pain and issue went away after a week and then came the bill. It is whopping $375! Half of it was for new patient establishment. And this is after insurance again.
I am on HDHP plan with family deductible of $7400. And it has HSA acct that I contribute to. My issue is:
1. Are the bills for real?? (we haven't been to physicians for years, except for annual physicals).
2. Is there any way I can negotiate these bills? Urgent care bill is already nonnegotiable, I was told.
3. I have an option to dispute these charges. Not sure if I want to take that route.
4. Am I acting too anal about these bills?
I am unable to digest these hefty charges (it's worth one way trip to Southeast Asia in economy ). Did anyone encounter similar instances and what actions you took? Ofcourse, prevention is better than cure!
TIA.