Doctors - how does this work?
Jul 18th 2017, 4:14 pm
#16
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,439
Re: Doctors - how does this work?
And during such visits for vaccinations they'll ask if you have any concerns, if you mention that little Timmy had a cough six months ago they'll add a sickness visit to your well child visit and get paid twice for the same visit and you will have to pay your co-pay/deductible etc.
How sick do everyone's children get? Quite a lot by the sounds of it.
Jul 18th 2017, 4:21 pm
#17
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,930
Re: Doctors - how does this work?
And during such visits for vaccinations they'll ask if you have any concerns, if you mention that little Timmy had a cough six months ago they'll add a sickness visit to your well child visit and get paid twice for the same visit and you will have to pay your co-pay/deductible etc.
They are absolutely, 100%, going to ask about previous illnesses on a first well check visit for a child. They would be not doing their jobs if they didn't. Unless the child is sick at the time of the appointment, then you should not be getting charged.
I think the insurance company will also have something to say about being charged 2x for one visit too - can't see them paying.
The doctor will ask you to come back if they think something needs investigating and then it will be a regular visit with a co-pay
Jul 18th 2017, 4:26 pm
#18
Austin. TX.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,930
Re: Doctors - how does this work?
My kids' paeds are great. The other week, son woke up with a fair sized lump on his neck. 4 hours before leaving for a 6 week inter-rail trip around EU. Fitted us in, got bloods and a CT scan done and we were in the car to the airport by 12.30. Fabulous team.
Jul 18th 2017, 4:29 pm
#19
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 10,006
Re: Doctors - how does this work?
Would not take this as gospel....... there are inevitably either co-pays (smallish amount to pay) for doctor visits, and then there are deductibles (amount you have to pay before insurance kicks in).
Insurance usually only pays for 80% to 90% of costs.
That's just the way it is.
Insurance usually only pays for 80% to 90% of costs.
That's just the way it is.
Medical costs are out of control in America, so unfortunately one needs to study the medical cover very well.
Jul 18th 2017, 4:32 pm
#20
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,386
Re: Doctors - how does this work?
Talk to your insurance company. Each plan has its own rules but in general...
* You will typically register with a specific Primary Care Physician (PCP). He or she is rather like a British GP.
* They will handle your routine needs referring you to specialists when required. Often the PCP sign off is required before you can see a specialist.
* You will typically register with a specific Primary Care Physician (PCP). He or she is rather like a British GP.
* They will handle your routine needs referring you to specialists when required. Often the PCP sign off is required before you can see a specialist.
* Children under 18 are typically registered with a primary care pediatrician. That's very normal.
* Office visits typically involve a co-pay ($5 to $50) although they may be waived for preventative visits (annual checkup).
* Office visits typically involve a co-pay ($5 to $50) although they may be waived for preventative visits (annual checkup).
* You're right to get the kids vaccination records sorted out. They will be required by schools, colleges and more.
Jul 18th 2017, 10:00 pm
#21
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 122
Re: Doctors - how does this work?
I'll check about co pay. At the moment I just need to register once we move so I can get the other doses booked in for the vaccines my children need for school. I've got dentist and Opiticians appointments booked in for them here next week as wanted to do that here before we go.
Jul 18th 2017, 10:02 pm
#22
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 122
Re: Doctors - how does this work?
you should ask about co-pays. Even our really good insurance has a $20 co-pay per person for most visits. The only exception to that is a preventive service appointment when it is $0.
When you are moved in, shoot me a pm and I'll send you my info sheet explaining different medical services. It has a section for you to fill in details which you may need in an emergency to help avoid large out of network ER hospital bills.
When you are moved in, shoot me a pm and I'll send you my info sheet explaining different medical services. It has a section for you to fill in details which you may need in an emergency to help avoid large out of network ER hospital bills.
