Paying for medical service not requested

[spainchaud]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Texas

I had cataract surgery in January and February. For the first surgery there was an anesthetist (CRNA) present, even though I was awake for the whole operation. The doctor required that I focus on a spot of light half-way through the procedure. For the second operation there was an MD present supervising the CRNA. Again I was awake through the procedure. I did not find out about the MD until I got the bill for the services, and saw a separate charge for the MD. I am planning to contest this charge. I find it ludicrous that I should pay for a second person sitting around to supervise someone else who is doing nothing useful. Any advice?

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Texas

I had cataract surgery in January and February. For the first surgery there was an anesthetist (CRNA) present, even though I was awake for the whole operation. The doctor required that I focus on a spot of light half-way through the procedure. For the second operation there was an MD present supervising the CRNA. Again I was awake through the procedure. I did not find out about the MD until I got the bill for the services, and saw a separate charge for the MD. I am planning to contest this charge. I find it ludicrous that I should pay for a second person sitting around to supervise someone else who is doing nothing useful. Any advice?

My advice is to pay what you owe. The second "person" was doing something useful (and often required). Supervising.

I hope your surgery was successful.

 

[ecmst12]

Just because you were awake does not mean there was no anesthesia used.

 

[commentator]

And think, what if the anesthesia had been suddenly, desperately needed, and there was no one around to administer it? And what if it had suddenly stopped working? Or if you had had some sort of allergy, something had suddenly gone very wrong? Then you'd be writing in wanting to sue because there was no proper medical supervision of the situation. Pay the bill. You do not get to make the decision whether or not this medical person was needed to attend the procedure.