Billing Bull

[Brandeis 401]

I about had a heart attack this morning when I finally got the bill for my surgery.

A bill for 18k.

For about 15 minutes I was frantic, because I had all kinds of insurance problems with my surgery; apparently the doctor was covered, but the hospital wasn't. They managed to work out a deal where the hospital got paid at the in-network rate and I would only have to pay copay + remaining deductible.

Then, something clicked in my head. Copay + remaining deductible -- I should have owed 1800.

Of all the bullshit I went through to get my insurance to cover my surgery, I could think of nothing but the fact that something had gone wrong and I was being held responsible for a huge chunk of the surgery. And what actually went wrong?

Appropriately enough: a fat finger error. BASICALLY, THE DECIMAL POINT WAS IN THE WRONG PLACE.

They're sending me a new bill, for the correct amount thank god. But I had to share, since I'm laughing so hard now.

[blizair09 3,250]

Even though I knew my surgery and all related expenses were covered, I was a bundle of nerves until the insurance settled all of the claims and it was a done deal.

Seeing those high dollar amounts on statements, insurance forms, etc. is really unsettling.

I'm glad that it got worked out and now you can get back to focusing on the important work at hand!

[LittleBill 2,231]

I am trying to explain how insurance works to the billing people. I am getting bills for stuff "not in network" even though everyone I have seen has practically been in the same $&@%# building, not to mention the same network. I am being billed for stuff the insurance has already paid, and of course I have to submit copies to the people in the office. Apparently they aren't able to locate any of it.

I am glad to see someone just added a zero, although I can well imagine your panic.

[Brandeis 401]

I was SO sure something had gone wrong with the insurance ~.~ I even called the bariatric wing and they were like "well, we had a feeling this would happen, right?" so having it be an entirely unrelated error...it's just so hilarious to me, now that it's settled.

[kimberb 323]

I have Kaiser for insurance. Thankfully this won't be one of my worries. Enough stress as it is. I also just did my pre-registration and found out no co-pay

That was a nice surprise.

[jennifer1 180]

I about had a heart attack this morning when I finally got the bill for my surgery.

A bill for 18k.

For about 15 minutes I was frantic, because I had all kinds of insurance problems with my surgery; apparently the doctor was covered, but the hospital wasn't. They managed to work out a deal where the hospital got paid at the in-network rate and I would only have to pay copay + remaining deductible.

Then, something clicked in my head. Copay + remaining deductible -- I should have owed 1800.

Of all the bullshit I went through to get my insurance to cover my surgery, I could think of nothing but the fact that something had gone wrong and I was being held responsible for a huge chunk of the surgery. And what actually went wrong?

Appropriately enough: a fat finger error. BASICALLY, THE DECIMAL POINT WAS IN THE WRONG PLACE.

They're sending me a new bill, for the correct amount thank god. But I had to share, since I'm laughing so hard now.

girl i would have had a heart attack too! glad it was an error!

[erica_ozzy73 241]

Without insurance I have paid over $26000....

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