HarryTheSpider

Mrs HTS is pretty uncomfortable... Had some blood work done, results came back yesterday (Friday) suggesting pancreatitis. We have further appointments scheduled for next week but its possible she can't wait that long, so we may go to ER tomorrow (Sun)... She's feeling quite miserable. She doesn't want to go just yet though...

Any advice on what to look out for in terms of unwarranted/needed involvement of medical people to bump the bill up? She's already concerned about the bill, which I've told her not to be in the circumstances, but even so, I'd like to keep the bill down as much as I can.

Nice to have the question of can we afford the medical bill to be a major factor in deciding whether to go for medical treatment or not...

Any advice much appreciated.

md95065

Not much that you can do. Expect them to do all of the tests that you have already had done again because they probably won't have access to the results and they won't trust a piece of paper that you have in your hand.

I am guessing that for pancreatitis they will probably want to do an ultrasound exam and, possibly a CT scan as well as a bunch of blood work. You could try to save some money by just doing the ultrasound and refusing the CT scan.

Do you know what your insurance deductible, co-pay for ER visits and % of ER costs that are covered are?

Bomjeito

If not acute, best way to minimize financial and waiting time pain is to see an internal med doctor first thing on Monday. Many docs will see someone same day and get orders for diagnostics same day.

Or an Urgent Care attached to a hospital. They'll refer you over if they can't provide care.

ERs will run every test possible that 'could' be the culprit..just to cover their liability. That happened to me once, but I had insurance and only $50 copayment out of my pocket.

Brit3964

Know what your insurance covers and don't pay anything on release from the hospital.

3 years ago, I had to go to the ER 3 times in a 6 week period. After the first time they came round and wanted $2600 before I was released. Like an idiot I paid it. Turns out they overcharged by 50% and amazingly it was caught by the insurance company about 4 months later. After the second visit, they tried to charge me $1200 for the deductible to which I said I had already met that. After the third time they didn't try to collect anything.

HarryTheSpider

I'm pretty sure we've already met the yearly deductible for Mrs HTS. I hadn't thought about that... Our co-pay is $50. Insurance pays 90% of any specialist care, and the bit we pay is capped for the year anyway, so it sounds like we'd only have a small bill to pay no matter what...

Cheers

HTS

AZ_Alba

Check which hospitals are in network, Chandler Regional is probably your nearest but may not be in network depending on insurance. Here in the valley the two main hospital health care providers are banner and catholic health care. Banner is easy to identify as all thier hospital names start with banner. The two catholic health care are Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert.

Depending on the level of care needed Urgent Care is another option, but from your post it sounds as though she need to be admitted so the ER maybe your best bet.

sir_eccles

Of no real help but "Catholic healthcare west" is now called "Dignity health" since their spat with the church over providing a medically needed abortion to save the mother. St Joseph's in Phoenix is also part of the network very nice midwives there.

scrubbedexpat097

Pancreatitis can become quite serious, don't wait. If Mrs HTS is in a lot of pain just go to the ER. Waiting might make it more expensive in the long run.

Feel better soon Spiderlady xxx

ChocolateBabz

Are there 'rules' about what they can charge you on release. I would much rather they billed the insurance for the lot, then I get billed for what's not covered.

Not once have I been to the doctor and been charged the correct amount walking out the door. I always end up getting a bill once the insurance sorts out their portion.

md95065

They can present you with a bill whenever they like but they can't make you pay it before you leave.

I have never heard of an ER demanding immediate payment for anything - in my experience they always end up billing you later - and, of course, it isn't just one bill - it will be at least one from every doctor, radiographer, pathologist etc that had even the slightest involvement in your treatment ...

scrubbedexpat097

They can try. If your insurance states the ER visit is $100 co-pay then yes then can ask for it up front. They can't refuse to treat you if you don't pay though.

Brit3964

I should clarify. I had gone in via the ER and ended up being admitted to the hospital. It was the hospital that asked for payment not the ER. I did pay $150 co-pay for going to the ER though.

Jerseygirl

With pancreatitis the last thing on my mind would be saving money...especially as you seem to have good insurance cover. If she's in pain get her to the ER now.

You may want to ask every single person who wishes to speak to your wife if they are in your insurance network.

scrubbedexpat097

Yep. I mentioned this a few hours ago and as Harry has been absent I'm guessing maybe they decided it was time to go to the ER.

all is ok .

Jerseygirl

I hope so too.