EjGlows
Well-known member
After reading yet another article on the unexpected expenses of medical procedures, I've decided to see if I could mitigate any additional costs for my upcoming surgery in December by being as proactive as possible since I have a few months to do a little legwork.
After Surgery, Surprise $117,000 Medical Bill From Doctor He Didn't Know
I have decent insurance (PPO group plan through work) and have even worked a stint in the insurance industry reading through coverage, liaising with providers and clients, so I've got a bit of a bone up on the average Joe. My goal is to pare down the costs so that my out of pocket expenses cover only my co-pays and market-rate for any durable medical equipment that I may go home with (of which I know exactly what to order online). So, here's the plan:
1. Request that any provider (surgical assistant, nurse anesthetist, etc.) be pre-approved by myself and my insurance.
2. Request billing codes ahead of time and ask that a pre-surgery plan be made. You know, like a car estimate? :laughing
3. Get quotes from insurance regarding DME and order before surgery so that the negotiated costs are not passed onto me as the patient. (I've paid $500 for a sling before!)
4. Require that any additional medically necessary procedures are approved by my wife (documented Advanced Health Directive)
In the past, I've had some unexpected bills show up months later and would really like to zero out any additional expenses, not because I'm cheap, but rather I'd like to know if it can be done.
Thoughts? Suggestions? I feel a little crazy shopping around like this, but if I have to pay for a pregnancy test I'm going to lose my mind! :mad :laughing
After Surgery, Surprise $117,000 Medical Bill From Doctor He Didn't Know
I have decent insurance (PPO group plan through work) and have even worked a stint in the insurance industry reading through coverage, liaising with providers and clients, so I've got a bit of a bone up on the average Joe. My goal is to pare down the costs so that my out of pocket expenses cover only my co-pays and market-rate for any durable medical equipment that I may go home with (of which I know exactly what to order online). So, here's the plan:
1. Request that any provider (surgical assistant, nurse anesthetist, etc.) be pre-approved by myself and my insurance.
2. Request billing codes ahead of time and ask that a pre-surgery plan be made. You know, like a car estimate? :laughing
3. Get quotes from insurance regarding DME and order before surgery so that the negotiated costs are not passed onto me as the patient. (I've paid $500 for a sling before!)
4. Require that any additional medically necessary procedures are approved by my wife (documented Advanced Health Directive)
In the past, I've had some unexpected bills show up months later and would really like to zero out any additional expenses, not because I'm cheap, but rather I'd like to know if it can be done.
Thoughts? Suggestions? I feel a little crazy shopping around like this, but if I have to pay for a pregnancy test I'm going to lose my mind! :mad :laughing