Dumb doctor billing question

[readyin07]

So...I posted earlier in the week about my ds2 breaking his elbow. Although the urgent care originally said it would not need surgery, the ortho said it does (and I got a second opinion). We have high deductible insurance and it’s...a lot of money. The dr’s office just called to collect payment which has to be made upfront. The Surgicenter might also collect upfront tomorrow. Not sure. What happens if you literally can’t afford that? As in don’t have $2k in cash that you don’t need to keep the lights on at home and no access to credit. I assume some people might have Medicaid in this situation, but I can think of one friend I know who has literally $10k to her name and no credit due to a bankruptcy. What does she do if her kid gets hurt?

[piaffe]

I’m sorry to hear about your son. Some offices will accceot care credit which I believe isn’t as hard to get as some credit cards.

[lessel]

In my experience the upfront payments are optional but they kind of strong arm you into them seeing required. I would try to get them to bill you after insurance pays.

[sangria]

Will they offer a payment plan maybe?
I'm sorry. That's so crummy

[puppylove64]

I would lean towards the payment is not required upfront, but they act like it is because they are more likely to get their money. Ask them about payment options or paying after insurance.

I’m sorry you are in this predicament and I’m sorry for your son

[The Foozzler]

I would bet that they would work out a payment plan. My H needed shoulder surgery a week after our high deductible plan went into effect. We really didn't have any money in that account yet other than the $1000 my employer put in and we owed them the $4000 deductible. I set up a payment plan where I put $1000 down and I paid off the rest over the next 6 months.

They definitely didn't advertise this as a option.

[readyin07]

Oh I should say that we can pay for it. I mean we charged it like any other red blooded Americans would :/. It will be a $3500 experience when all is said and done. Hsa is tapped out since having a baby last year. I just thought it was interesting that everyone charges upfront (surgi center does as well). I would think that is a lot of money for many families to come up with in a day and a half.

[mich1]

This year so far, I have had surgery on my thumb (and wiped out the flex account with my pre-pay) and DH had surgery on his eye. His pre-pay went on the credit card.

When I had my second hip replacement, it was a new surgeon and I needed to pay my deductible up front too. I had about 1/3 in my flex plan, the rest went on a credit card.

[liverandonions]

Unfortunately these plans are designed for people who have access to money in an emergency like this. There are HSA offerings at many companies to hold the money in a pre tax account for them as well.

[mrs.jacinthe]

In my experience in the medical industry, if a surgery is (even questionably) optional, they require payment up front, in case the insurance backs away from paying. If surgery is a necessity, they will operate first and bill later. Payment plans are almost always an option.

[thelurkylulu]

Am I wrong that they cannot refuse to perform a necessary medical procedure because you can’t pay up front?

[mccallister84]

Apr 19, 2018 18:42:23 GMT -5 thelurkylulu said:

Am I wrong that they cannot refuse to perform a necessary medical procedure because you can’t pay up front?

I think it depends upon the doctor and the procedure. The ER can’t refuse to treat without payment. A private surgeon? Probably.

[hopecounts]

Apr 19, 2018 18:42:23 GMT -5 thelurkylulu said:

Am I wrong that they cannot refuse to perform a necessary medical procedure because you can’t pay up front?

An ER must treat and stabilize you, pretty much any other doctor can refuse service without payment.

Now 98% will work with you (payment plan for example) because they want to help you get well but they will try to get payment first because it’s not always easy to collect after treatment.

[penguingrrl]

This is one of the many serious issues with the US medical care system. ERs can’t deny care due to ability to pay, but beyond that a doctor can absolutely refuse to treat if you don’t pay upfront. Most will work out payment plans and work with you, but they aren’t required to and there definitely are quite a few who will refuse service if you can’t prepay.

[killercupcake]

A lot of educators in my district are dealing with this.

They need procedures and surgeries done, but can’t afford the up front cost. I have to pay $800 just to preregister at the hospital. It’s crazy.