Does anyone else do this? My husband and I both *should* be getting echocardiograms on our hearts every year. We haven't met our deductible this year so we have to pay the full amount of the service.
Does anyone else do this? Do you find it cost effective to do so or did you find most doctors charge the same amount?
blogger / coconut / 8306 posts
I called around last fall, after learning that our insurance company would be doing away with co-pays and we'd have to pay full price for services until we met our deducible.
I got very vague answers, and understandably so. I was given a ballpark figure for say, a sick visit for a suspected sinus infection, but it's hard to pinpoint the actual cost -- what if testing is needed? what if I needed a breathing treatment? [i'm asthmatic]
I just gave you a vague answer, but I hope it makes sense!
grapefruit / 4278 posts
DH needed a CT scan about a month ago and his employer self insures, so they appreciate when employees call around to get price estimates. It was the BIGGEST PITA! They could tell him what the cash pay amount was, but since their insurance is contracted through an actual insurance company, no one could tell him what they would be billed without jumping through 50 different hoops.
It is 100% worth calling around, because different providers will charge vastly different amounts for the same services (an interesting read on the topic http://www.npr.org/2013/05/08/182295999/dramatically-different-health-care-cost-go-public), it's just a much more difficult process than necessary.
hostess / wonderful persimmon / 25556 posts
@Mrs. Jump Rope: was your vague answer about right when your costs were estimated at the end of your visit (with or without any extras?)
grapefruit / 4235 posts
@mediagirl: My insurance has a "cost estimator" through their website - it shows what they pay for services through different providers.
pear / 1639 posts
I have no experience but just wanted to commiserate. It's so frustrating to know there is such a variance in what doctors can charge. Good luck in your search for the most cost effective option!
blogger / coconut / 8306 posts
I'd also ask your insurance company if you pay the discounted, in-network rate or the full amount.
Ours is totally the full amount. Bitches!
hostess / wonderful persimmon / 25556 posts
@Mrs. Jump Rope: My husband has asked, it's the full amount. Agreed. Bitches!!
So far I have left one message and have two prices from places that actually picked up the phone. They're quite different. So yes, it is worth it to call around. PIMA.
$989.50 or $639
hostess / wonderful persimmon / 25556 posts
@kiddosc: thanks. Yeah, one place I called had the same type of response, "We can't tell you an exact amount but it would be around..." So frustrating!
@dagret: thanks, I'm going to look for one of those now. I may even call them again (even though my husband already did) and see if I get a different answer. 
@Mrs. Taco: thanks for commiserating. 
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