PerryMasonry
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Nevada
I went to a throat doctor because of severe sore throat. It was my follow-up visit and the medical assistant nor the doctor did not disclose that the test that they will be performing will cost me. All they ask was how I was feeling & if there was improvement from my first visit...then they proceeding to explain what the test is and will be like.....but no word about having to pay for it. After I was finished, when I went up to the receptionist she only charged me $60. So I left the office thinking it was all good. Fast forward to 30 days later and I get a bill from the mail of $525! I was so shocked to see a bill that my hands were shaking badly from disbelief and anger. The thing is I don't have insurance when that doctor visit happened as I was out of the job for 2 months prior.
Am I at fault that I did not ask the medical assistant or the doctor if the test would cost me and by how much? Or is it the responsibilty of doctor or MA disclose that to me too before they proceeded with that test?
I feel that the doctor's office blindsided me and purposely withheld information. Had I know that the test will cost me, I would not agree to have it done on me. I have not visited a doctor for the past 20 years (thankfully) so I have no clue about how things go about.
Shouldn't doctors talk with their patients about health care costs, if for no other reason than to enable patients to determine whether they can afford to pay for the healthcare that their doctors are recommending them to receive. Especially when patient has disclosed he does not have insurance.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I went to a throat doctor because of severe sore throat. It was my follow-up visit and the medical assistant nor the doctor did not disclose that the test that they will be performing will cost me. All they ask was how I was feeling & if there was improvement from my first visit...then they proceeding to explain what the test is and will be like.....but no word about having to pay for it. After I was finished, when I went up to the receptionist she only charged me $60. So I left the office thinking it was all good. Fast forward to 30 days later and I get a bill from the mail of $525! I was so shocked to see a bill that my hands were shaking badly from disbelief and anger. The thing is I don't have insurance when that doctor visit happened as I was out of the job for 2 months prior.
Am I at fault that I did not ask the medical assistant or the doctor if the test would cost me and by how much? Or is it the responsibilty of doctor or MA disclose that to me too before they proceeded with that test?
I feel that the doctor's office blindsided me and purposely withheld information. Had I know that the test will cost me, I would not agree to have it done on me. I have not visited a doctor for the past 20 years (thankfully) so I have no clue about how things go about.
Shouldn't doctors talk with their patients about health care costs, if for no other reason than to enable patients to determine whether they can afford to pay for the healthcare that their doctors are recommending them to receive. Especially when patient has disclosed he does not have insurance.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Last edited: