The chances are good that consumers will not learn about the medical markup until they get stuck with the bill.
Hospital rates have been regulated for nearly 50 years in Maryland. The idea was to create accountability, but costs associated with the care and services received in a physician's office are a whole different story.
When Laurel Funk's son broke his hand, she was glad it healed quickly, but she wasn't glad when she got a medical bill that simply floored her.
"First thing I thought was, it must have been a mistake," Funk said.
She got a $300 bill for a hand splint that her son received in the doctor's office. Funk came to learn that even though the doctor is in her insurance network, the medical supplier he used is not.
"So, I was still smarting from this bill that I paid, and then my son and I got online and he said, 'Mom, this thing only costs like $38,'" Funk said.
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4 comments:
It is absurd it is a big scam and that includes what the insurances pay and they get 40 to 50 % of so if they charge $300.00 and they give you a discount 10,20,30 % they still make a good profit you pay cash we need to be educated a sale men's biggest nightmare is the educated consumer , that applies to everything we consume do some homework
My cock up splint, recommended by my orthopedic doctor to help with the healing of my broken wrist, was an item that I could have obtained at the doctor's office. The staff member told me it was very expensive , but would be mostly be covered by insurance. He also informed me that I could go get the same thing at rite aid for $20.00.
I got the rite aid one on my way home from the doctor's visit.
People must become much more proactive. When there is a scheduled procedure you have time to call and check out everything clears with you insurance. When you don't and it is an emergency...ask for a detailed list of everything that was done during that visit to the ER, then scan it and look for errors. There are usually many. Never pay a bill that looks out of line. Always question any bill that seems inappropriate. AND lastly.....shop around. There are other hospitals on the peninsula with qualified staff. Check online to see where your doctor was educated and if he or she has had any negative feedback from patients and professional mishaps. You would shop for a car....why are you worth less effort?
They charge what they can get away with. As the article states, most of the time the insurance covers it. If it doesn't they give you a discount and still make money. This is one reason why insurance is sooo expensive!
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