Paying twice for one doctors visit

[buginme2]

This practice, which is how the clinic I go to for my HIV care, charges for medical services has gotten out of hand. 

Because my doctor is part of the HIV clinic at a medical center each time I go to the doctor I get two bills.  One from the "clinic" that includes the charges for the doctor and another from the hospital which includes their charges.  My insurance does cover the majority however, my share has been increasing quite a bit to the point I am actually deferring care because I still have some hospital bills I need to pay for.

Recently I had IRC done at the clinic (Infrared Coagulation and a high resolution Anoscopy).  The doctors bill was about $1000 and the hospital bill was about $4000. 

I guess I am just annoyed.   

There is an article in today's paper that explains this, probably a lot better than I did.  I just feel like I am getting screwed, and I wonder is the care any better than if I saw a dr in private practice?

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2019600338_facilityfees04m.html

[wolfter]

I read that entire article and it's frightening if that becomes the trend.  My previous ID doctor was within a large Columbus hospital and I never rec'd a 2nd bill.

Wolfie

[mikeyb39]

Hi bugg,
yes that really sucks.  Insurance companies don't pay for anything these days.  all these MRI's, CT scans, EEG i've had to pay for them out of pocket because my insurance has a 1600 deductible.   I get a discount on the procedure because its run thru my insurance company and they get a discount on these procedures, but i've had to pay at least 300.00 copay on each of these procedures.

I just did next year's benefit elections and they have upped the dedictible to 2000 for next year.  i did an FSA to cover some of the expenses that i might expect next year, but its never enough..

not to mention every time i step into my neurologist office i have to pay 40.00 copay no matter what im there for, same with my GP.

[Jmarksto]

The timing on this thread is perfect --

I received two invoices this week for a colonoscopy (TMI?) I had done about two months ago.  The doctor's bill was about $1,000 and the hospital "facility" fee was about $2,000, my insurance company will pay about $600 for the doctor's fee and $700 for the facility fee - leaving me with a $1,700 payment. 

The only good news was that I had a clean bill of health and they told me I didn't need to have another one for 10 years.

Contrast my experience with a family member of mine in Canada who has had two heart surgeries in the last two years and has had very few incidental costs (like paying for TV in the room).

We need serious nationalized health care - don't get me started.