I visited my dermatologist in December. I've been a patient of his for over ten years, but had not been there in well over a year (for dermatology, you don't have to). I've used the same insurance (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) for the entire time.
Since it had been over a year, I had to fill out all the paperwork again, my health history, employer, and of course insurance. I gave them my card to copy at their request.
Then I had some in-office minor surgery.
Now I get the bill - for essentially the entire thing. What the doctor's front-office staff did not tell me, nor were there signs, nor did I get a letter, is that BC/BS dropped him in May 2010.
So his services are considered out-of-network: I start an entire separate deductible, I pay the excess over everything the insurance didn't pay, etc, etc.
OF COURSE I KNOW that I have to protect myself, but I am being told over and over again by interested friends and co-workers that there should have been some positive communication of this change, by the staff or by letter or by sign.
I want to negotiate the price with him, since I bear responsibility but I think he bears some, too.
What is your opinion of his culpability, professional, ethical or otherwise?
I appreciate being able to ask this question.
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? ILLINOIS
Since it had been over a year, I had to fill out all the paperwork again, my health history, employer, and of course insurance. I gave them my card to copy at their request.
Then I had some in-office minor surgery.
Now I get the bill - for essentially the entire thing. What the doctor's front-office staff did not tell me, nor were there signs, nor did I get a letter, is that BC/BS dropped him in May 2010.
So his services are considered out-of-network: I start an entire separate deductible, I pay the excess over everything the insurance didn't pay, etc, etc.
OF COURSE I KNOW that I have to protect myself, but I am being told over and over again by interested friends and co-workers that there should have been some positive communication of this change, by the staff or by letter or by sign.
I want to negotiate the price with him, since I bear responsibility but I think he bears some, too.
What is your opinion of his culpability, professional, ethical or otherwise?
I appreciate being able to ask this question.
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? ILLINOIS