Hi all,

As part of the " can't tan until you burn" growing up generation my wife and I have yearly  ( at least) appointments to get checked out by a dermatologist. We've had the same one for years and we really like her. During our last checkup ( some months ago) she recommended something to try for my allergies. 

 Fast forward to last month. My wife ( a recent cancer survivor) had an appointment with the doc to have a spot checked out for skin cancer. Turned out to NOT be cancer thank god. As my wife is hearing impaired I always go into the exam room with her . While the doc was looking at my wife she asked me how I was doing. I said fine, the stuff you recommended works well. she said good glad to hear it. I thought we were just making conversation.

Well last week we got a bill for my wife AND me for an office visit. I called and explained it was my wife who was the patient, but was told because I discussed medical issues with the doc I had an office visit as well. I replied the doc asked the question, I was just responding to her. I was told they would look into it. Still haven't heard back.

 So , did I over react? I kind of feel like they tried to pull a fast one over on us. I don't blame the doc. It seems like the office people are trying to squeeze us for more $$$$.

     If you don't mind me asking, what do you think?

                                    Thanks

                                              Jim

Sounds like the front office people are trying to squeeze you for all they can get. I've had visits like that - wife has the appointment, I ask a quick question that the Doc answers....only the wife is billed.

Yeah that's BS....they are trying to like you say pull a fast one. Bet they get alot of people with it, just sneak it past them or hope most people won't fight it. Pretty shady tactic. When my wife was going thru physical therapy a few years back after her knee surgery I had to take her the first month or so, several of the physical therapists know me and they recommended some exercises and stretches for my lower back and I was never billed. I'm glad you questioned it because that's bogus.

So if my Dentist asks me about fishing (he is also a fisherman) do I get to charge him for a guide trip?  That’s ridiculous and I would take it up with the doctor. 

Thats BS…. No way i would pay for that. 

I wouldn’t necessarily blame the front office folks, somehow there was something checked saying you had a visit too. I’d put up a stink and make sure the doc knows whether it was her mistake or something else.

We Always get more bees with honey.

Kill them with kindness but don't  pay EITHER bill, until they straighten it out.

By then, they may be glad they at least got the $$ for the actual patient who was treated.

Good Luck

A-Jay

17 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

We Always get more bees with honey.

Kill them with kindness but don't  pay EITHER bill, until they straighten it out.

By then, they may be glad they at least got the $$ for the actual patient who was treated.

Good Luck

A-Jay

 

I concur. We recently had our old apartment complex try to hit us for $300+ for normal wear and tear. We responded with a kindly worded, yet firm letter explaining our complaints and desire for an amicable solution. They cut the bill in half, and we decided to work with them rather than fight them further. 

 

Sorry you're dealing with this @jbmaine. That's some nonsense.

Yeah, I think they are trying it on. 
 

my dentist does a similar thing and I’ve considered leaving them over it.  They recommend a fluoride gel at the end of each cleaning. Some insurance pays for it, some won’t (mine doesn’t). If insurance won’t pay, they waive the cost. I hate the feel of it so haven’t had it for the past 4 visits or so, but they keep billing it and getting turned down. Again, I think they are just throwing it at the wall to see what sticks. 

Yeah, I wouldn't stand for that. 

Looking at this from the doctor’s point of view, I’d bet that a lot of patients accompany their spouse that has insurance and attempt to get free medical advice during the appointment. It’s got to be frustrating for the doctor who has limited time to spend with each patient then are expected to give some of that time to another person without an appointment. I don’t think that applies here if it was the doctor who engaged. I’d definitely fight the extra charges. 

36 minutes ago, Scott F said:

Looking at this from the doctor’s point of view, I’d bet that a lot of patients accompany their spouse that has insurance and attempt to get free medical advice during the appointment.

If it was a long engagement, then I might agree with you....but this was a quick question from the Doc, answered, then acknowledged....not something to get all money-hungry over.

 

 

I’ve heard of similar situations like yours. One in particular a patient was staying at the hospital and different specialists would come in and ask the patient how they’re doing, just a quick poke the head in the door and out they go. Patient received the bill and they see the specialists charged them with a consultation. 

Thanks for the replies everyone. Just so you know, we have seen this doctor for years and like her, and when both of us need to see her we make the appointments for both of us.

 We'll see where this goes. They already charged my insurance, right now it's just my copay that's in dispute.

wow.  she must have a boat payment!!

 

we go with my mom all the time.   my brother was going thru some stuff, and the doc gave him advice, and it all ended with. "let me make an appointment for you, right now".  "Now let's focus on your mom"

 

Mom:  "ehhh?  i dont have my hearing aides on"