I have avoided getting my annual Medicare (non-physical) doctor visit since they don't really do a physical exam, just a "wellness visit" to remind you to stay healthy. See The Annual Physical for more information.
However, my wife went for her exam a few months ago and everything seemed fine until this week when we received a letter from the doctors billing office that we owed them money and they would cut us off from care until it was paid.
It turns out the she got a flu shot at the time of the annual exam. This is supposed to be covered by Medicare so she didn't think it would lead to any charges. She could have walked across the street to have the flu shot at the pharmacy ($25 paid for by Medicare). The doctor's office didn't disclose how much they would charge at the time of service. (I know of no other business that never tells you how much they will be charging and thinks nothing of sending outrageous bills months later.)
Of course, it is naive to think that the doctors won't find some way to generate extra income. In this case, they charged for the administering the vaccine and a posted a separate charge for the flu vaccine itself. Total was $246.00! Medicare rightfully declined to pay the outrageous charges.
Beware, the doctors are a danger to your (financial) health. Through a combination of obfuscation and greed, they will try to take your money.
However, my wife went for her exam a few months ago and everything seemed fine until this week when we received a letter from the doctors billing office that we owed them money and they would cut us off from care until it was paid.
It turns out the she got a flu shot at the time of the annual exam. This is supposed to be covered by Medicare so she didn't think it would lead to any charges. She could have walked across the street to have the flu shot at the pharmacy ($25 paid for by Medicare). The doctor's office didn't disclose how much they would charge at the time of service. (I know of no other business that never tells you how much they will be charging and thinks nothing of sending outrageous bills months later.)
Of course, it is naive to think that the doctors won't find some way to generate extra income. In this case, they charged for the administering the vaccine and a posted a separate charge for the flu vaccine itself. Total was $246.00! Medicare rightfully declined to pay the outrageous charges.
Beware, the doctors are a danger to your (financial) health. Through a combination of obfuscation and greed, they will try to take your money.
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