Billed $480 for consultation. Is this normal?

[jinkies 4]

Hello my fellow sleevers,

So I saw a surgeon in January who I was authorized to see through my primary doctor. He was in my network and I only paid a $15 Co pay on the day of the consultation. Come June, I got a bill in the mail for $480 minus the $246 payed by my insurance. My question is, is this kind of charge normal for just a regular consultation with an authorized surgeon???? No one can tell me why the bill was soo much that my insurance couldn't cover it.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

I had to pay a $250 fee for all the paperwork they file, and I think my normal co-pay.

It made sense to me from a business stand point because even if people are denied coverage from their insurance, they still have to spend all the time to get the paperwork together in the proper format and submit.

When you call the 800 number for your insurance, no one will explain the charges? And no one at the Dr office will either?

[jinkies 4]

No, I tried calling the billing department of the surgeon. At first, they told me that my insurance billed me that much. Now they are saying that my medical group did but both are pointing their fingers at the surgeon. I don't know how to resolve this

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

Turn them all into the state insurance regulators, and see what happens. I would give them once more chance then say that is what you are going to have to do.

Edited to add:

It is possible you are still meeting your out of pocket and deductible?

Edited June 30, 2016 by OutsideMatchInside

[jinkies 4]

I didn't know that you could do that. I'll look into if nothing progresses. Thank you!

[Jadane_dm 34]

Hello my fellow sleevers,

So I saw a surgeon in January who I was authorized to see through my primary doctor. He was in my network and I only paid a $15 Co pay on the day of the consultation. Come June, I got a bill in the mail for $480 minus the $246 payed by my insurance. My question is, is this kind of charge normal for just a regular consultation with an authorized surgeon???? No one can tell me why the bill was soo much that my insurance couldn't cover it.

That's really strange. Consults are normally free. You shouldn't have to pay because that's when you ask your questions and see if you even qualify for the surgery. I didn't even have to pay a co pay. However if you do have to end up paying and you have a deductible. That money will go towards it. Atleast that's how it is with Highmark Bluecross/Blueshield.

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