« The wind blows | Main | Hormone Update -- February 2008 »
February 11, 2008
The Conversation
I hoped to have some more info on whether or not my meds were reduced by this posting. Alas, I put a call into my doctor today and had to leave work before he called me back. Since I have no idea how to retrieve my voice mail messages from work it'll have to wait until tomorrow.
Instead, you get a conversation I had this afternoon at another doctor's office.
First the setup:
I needed to have some tests run for a child and prepaid several hundred dollars. In the end we didn't need as many tests run as we thought might be necessary. I've never received a statement from the doc's office and getting anything from them has been a challenge. They were supposed to fax me a statement last week; it never came.
So I thought I'd ask for it today.
Young Receptionist (after I gave her the child's name): Would you like to pay your copay now?
Me: Yes. Oh, and can I get a copy of our statement history?
YR: [Looking at the computer] It looks like you're all paid up.
Me: Can I see the breakdown?
YR: For Doctor A [the doc who'd done the testing] or Doctor B [who we'd been referred to and in the same practice]?
Me: [Feeling a bit better] Dr. A.
YR: Your balance is minus $220.00.
Me: What does that mean [because I think it means they owe me $220].
YR: Hmmm. I don't know. [She makes a call to an accountant.] It doesn't mean anything.
Me: It must mean something.
YR: No [and she waved her had for emphasis]. It doesn't mean anything.
Me: I think it means you owe me $220. I paid for testing in advance, and we didn't have all the tests we though might be needed.
YR: No, it doesn't mean anything.
So, she beat me down. It was time for our appointment. I'll call tomorrow.
I'll bet if my balance had been $50.00, she'd know I owed them $50.00.
Posted by delmer at February 11, 2008 11:53 PM
Comments
Delmer,
I'd definitely ask for a print out.
You want to make sure you were not being charged for testing that was not done.
In all fairness though, I know, where I work, the billing piece can look a bit tricky at first. That usually has to do with the insurance company we're dealing with and when we are reimbursed through them. Some companies have a quick turn around time, others, for some reason or another, reimburse us on a quarterly basis (not positive on this part.) When we don't get reimbursed right away, the numbers *look* a bit skewed, as it may show an outstanding balance for the client, until the money owed to us from their insurance company is 'cleared'.
When that happens, and the client has been consistent on their payments, there may be a balance due forward back to the client. If that happens, either a check is cut for them during that billing period, or, it is deducted from any future co-payments owed.
If a client requests a breakdown at a time before their insurance company reimburses us, it *appears* that we are overcharging the client for services, when in actuality, we have not.
That, above, is one of the largest reasons why I do not go private practice...working with the insurance companies sucks.
However, Still request a printout along with an explanation.
~ZZ
Posted by: Greeneyezz at February 12, 2008 5:56 AM
I had the same thing happen to me only it was an utility company. What I learned from that experience--when you have overpaid, the statement showes as a minus. Eventually, it all worked out--when I stopped sending money.
Posted by: Mom/Granny at February 12, 2008 8:49 AM
Yeah, I agree with Mom... a minus is what's called a 'credit' and they don't typically give you that back, they'll just apply it to the new charges. You have to ask for that back. And, you have a right to see your billing information. They need to give you one. If you need a good reason, tell them you need the receipt for tax purposes (did you know you can include unreimbursed medical on your taxes?).
Posted by: Sue at February 12, 2008 9:26 AM
Greeneyezz: The good part about this was that we paid for the tests as they were not covered by insurance.
Mom: I've threatened to send you down there to straighten them out.
Sue: I actually told them I needed it for tax purposes. I have a fair amount of unreimbursed medical this year.
Posted by: delmer at February 12, 2008 2:10 PM
Ya know, you don't need an 'excuse' to get a break down of services.
You are entitled to it....period.
And if she hesitated in the least...I'd immediately ask to speak to her supervisor.
Posted by: Greeneyezz at February 12, 2008 8:40 PM
I second what greeneyezz said. I was coming back to say that too.
Posted by: Sue at February 13, 2008 2:26 AM