payment of deductible before service

[tiredofdoctor]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida
My wife is currently expecting in early 2009 and her OB has requested that her 2009 deductible be paid in full by her 24th week of pregnancy. Her 24th week would still be well in 2008 and her 2008 deductible is already met. They also stated if payment was not received they would drop her from care. Is this a legal practice or should I seek a lawyer?


Thanks

[TIMMAAYY]

Not that it matters, but how high is your deductible?

He will get paid by the carrier as soon as your deductible is met anyway, regardless of whether or not you have paid it yet.

I don't see how someone can be allowed to force you to pay up for services that you have not even been billed for yet.

Is it possible you are just misreading the notice? Was this given to you in writing or did someone in his office tell you that?

[lealea1005]

Unfortunately, it sounds like that Physician may have had previous experience with patients not paying their deductibles after he rendered service to them. It happens more than one would think.

Around these parts, requiring payment of a deductible before OB care or some surgeries is becoming commonplace. Many other specialty offices also require deductibles, co-pay/co-insurances paid at the time of service.

Your wife has been receiving regular prenatal care from her Physician , so she has already received services. Ask the office how they intend to apply your wife's deductible if delivery won't be until 2009. Will they keep it on her account as a credit for next year? Your insurance company will, eventually, pay the Physician the remainder of whatever they deem "reasonable and customary" for global OB care, once they submit the claim in 2009.

Good luck!