TWR Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Due to a high deductible, my wife had a CT done of head for H/A. She paid the usual $100 for ER fee and then received a bill for $1000. Do you think this could be renegotiated or just pay aminimal amount per month? It is annoying to pay hundreds per month in premiums and still have to pay thousounds out of pocket. This was done at a free standing ER called "First Choice" in Houston. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator ventana Posted August 13, 2013 Moderator Share Posted August 13, 2013 you have insurance, so they should accept the fee schedule as set by your insurance (they are in network?) The problem with trying to negotiate the bill you got - you got to save on the price of the insurance by having a higher deductible..... this means that you accepted the risk of having a $1000 bill presented to you - You might try to negotiate it down, but realistically you got exactly what you contracted with the insurance company to do..... Can't really hold the provider responsible your election of a high deductible..... I would just pay it.... To those with out insurance...... health care bills are truly like used cars - huge ability to negotiate them..... Think about it - - the "list price" is the price that the doc's set, then the insurance company comes up with a Fee Schedule that is far less (usually something like 30-50% less) The person with out insurance gets double screwed, no insurance, then in addition they get to be billed the "list price" which is an inflated price. Call them up, tell them you will give them $300 as long as they release you from all further claims...... negotiate up from there - likely will get to about $500 but be VERY careful to make sure they accept this a FULL and Final payment or else they will just keep coming after you.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
physasst Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Generally, if you have insurance, they will not negotiate the price. You got a negotiated price through your insurance policy is what they will say. What's interesting is that the self pay, uninsured types actually have more negotiating power, and will often be able to get a markedly reduced bill due to programs in place at most institutions to help them. If you're insured though you won't qualify, and they generally will not negotiate. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator rev ronin Posted August 14, 2013 Administrator Share Posted August 14, 2013 What's interesting is that the self pay, uninsured types actually have more negotiating power, and will often be able to get a markedly reduced bill due to programs in place at most institutions to help them. Yeah, but they get hit with the huge sticker shock first... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted August 14, 2013 Moderator Share Posted August 14, 2013 Yeah, but they get hit with the huge sticker shock first... yup, my pt with rhabdo and renal failure I presented here a few weeks ago had no insurance and a bill of > $100,000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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