Wednesday, October 12, 2011

From Personal Experience...

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything, but when life happens  blogging goes by the wayside.  I wanted to share my own recent experience of being on the other side of healthcare...this time I was the patient. 

About a month ago I had (in network) outpatient surgery and got to put my medical insurance to the test.  About a week and a half before surgery I went to the hospital for my pre op and registration.  When I got to the registration desk they confirmed all of my information and took a copy of my insurance card and were about to send me on my way until I reminded them that I owed an outpatient surgery copay.  If you want to avoid getting unexpected bills later, know your policy! I paid my $250 copay and went on my way.  

The day of surgery was all business, no more payments, just surgery. 

Four weeks post surgery I went online to view my EOB (explination of benefits) and see how much my inusrance carrier reimbursed all the providers.  I was billed by my surgeon, the hospital, and anesthesia as expected.  The total amount billed for all of these was over $23,000 (keep in mind this is not what was paid, only what was billed) and all I owed was the $250 out patient surgery copay (that I'd already paid).   I was extremely pleased. 

Random tid-bit:
Anesthesia bills for every 15 minutes worth of "the good stuff."  I did a break down and it costs about $315 for 15 minutes worth of anesthesia.  Worth. Every. Penney. 


You can email any questions or comments to:
deargabbyinsurance@yahoo.com

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