Had to pay for FMLA paperwork

[rnorwo1]

I'd also like to add that the examples posted here seem reasonable and straight forward. So many of the requests are not straight forward (and some are absurd, especially some disability requests) and take a ton of time, some requiring the practitioner to go above and beyond to demonstrate proof of need, etc. You have to, in most cases, have a standard fee for services, so it may seem a bit much for some circumstances, but I promise it's wildly too low for others.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

Yep, that $2 excuse for school will be here before you know it. What about charging to file a person's insurance or a fee charged for a nurse to call you at home. The possibilities are endless!!!!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Yep, that $2 excuse for school will be here before you know it. What about charging to file a person's insurance or a fee charged for a nurse to call you at home. The possibilities are endless!!!!

I've brought up the topic of charging for lapsed precertifications for testing. It's insane how many people let their MRI or CT precerts expire and then we have to do them all over again. I say we charge $25 for redos.

 

[kydisneyfans]

The practice I code for charges $25 for forms and $25 for no shows.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I've brought up the topic of charging for lapsed precertifications for testing. It's insane how many people let their MRI or CT precerts expire and then we have to do them all over again. I say we charge $25 for redos.

Having done this once, it's usually b/c the patient finds out they have to foot the bill 100% (which they didn't know when they got the precert). If it's a non-urgent matter, it might make sense to let it lapse until either a. they can figure out a way to get it covered (new insurance, next health fund year) or b. just pay for it when it's easiest. $400 for a non-urgent just-in-case MRI is real money out of pocket...in our case, it was a dental MRI to get an implant and even when doing the process, we were told there was "give in the joints" of the extraction to implant process so we didn't have to rush...

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Having done this once, it's usually b/c the patient finds out they have to foot the bill 100% (which they didn't know when they got the precert). If it's a non-urgent matter, it might make sense to let it lapse until either a. they can figure out a way to get it covered (new insurance, next health fund year) or b. just pay for it when it's easiest. $400 for a non-urgent just-in-case MRI is real money out of pocket...in our case, it was a dental MRI to get an implant and even when doing the process, we were told there was "give in the joints" of the extraction to implant process so we didn't have to rush...

I've never experienced a patient letting it lapse due to cost. It's usually they forgot, they didn't know it had an expiration date (although we tell them), the facility couldn't get them in (BC they called the day before expiration date), etc. The population I work with tend to have state Medicaid with an hmo attached. Everything is covered at 100%. And getting those precerts are a b!tch to say the least.

 

[Sleepy425]

I'm switching doctors because mine refused to fill out our medical forms to be relicensed as foster parents unless we each came in for a visit. First they tried to tell me it was because I hadn't been in for over a month (it was 6 weeks at that point since they saw me), and I said "ok great, so you will do my husband's - he was just in 2 weeks ago!" And right then their story changed to, "no, even still he has to come in." We are both current on our physicals and had both been to the doctor at least twice since the physicals.
I went to get my records from them today and the lady at the front desk asked why I was leaving. When I told her the doctor refused to fill out forms for me to continue to be a foster parent unless she saw me yet again for a vist, even she had a *** look on her face.
The pediatrician and the vet filled out their health forms for me with no issue, so I know this isn't the norm around here.

 

[toofache]

I had to pay $25 for mine as well. And no way do I think it's justified. I went to a large OBGYN practice where they seemed to have someone dedicated to just handling the paperwork. The DR. is NOT filling out that paperwork, they are just signing a stack of them. In fact, I filled out 80% before I turned it in! And as simple as that sounds.....for some reason they think it should still take 2 weeks!

And just how do you think she gets paid?

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Having done this once, it's usually b/c the patient finds out they have to foot the bill 100% (which they didn't know when they got the precert). If it's a non-urgent matter, it might make sense to let it lapse until either a. they can figure out a way to get it covered (new insurance, next health fund year) or b. just pay for it when it's easiest. $400 for a non-urgent just-in-case MRI is real money out of pocket...in our case, it was a dental MRI to get an implant and even when doing the process, we were told there was "give in the joints" of the extraction to implant process so we didn't have to rush...

If someone is footing the bill 100%, then what's the point of getting a pre-cert?

I work in radiology, mostly outpatients, and you would be amazed at the number of people who have no idea what their insurance coverage permits, whether or not they need referrals, etc.
Not everyone, but a lot of patients, think it's always someone's responsibility to determine this. If people are unsure of their coverage, they should just call their insurance company and ask.
Frankly, if I'm going to be responsible for the out of pocket costs, I would think it's also my duty to know what they will be before I accept a particular service. No one likes surprise bills.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

And just how do you think she gets paid?

How do the ladies at the front desk get paid? Should I be charged for checking in as well? Should there be an extra charge for me seeing a medical office assistant before the doctor? Like I said before, the possibilities are endless.

 

[toofache]

How do the ladies at the front desk get paid? Should I be charged for checking in as well? Should there be an extra charge for me seeing a medical office assistant before the doctor? Like I said before, the possibilities are endless.

That's my point. They all have to be paid, and as insurance reimbursement declines year after year, look for more revenue streams like this to be more common. My office also charges for copying of records which is perfectly reasonable. This really only applies to an insurance practice since direct pay practices rarely charge for administrative services like this. Insurance obviously does not pay for it.

 

[vinotinto]

My Peds has a $10 / year mandatory fee for paperwork. It covers school and camp forms.

 

[scrapquitler]

My Peds has a $10 / year mandatory fee for paperwork. It covers school and camp forms.

Even in years when you don't need either?? Not all kids go to camp, and in my state at least, school forms are not necessary every year, only certain years (K, 5th, 8th and 10th, I believe)

 

[Mickeyluver37]

And just how do you think she gets paid?

Ha- well the answer to that is obvious, but the correct way would be some sort of overhead cost, just like the rent, lights, office equipment, etc.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

That's my point. They all have to be paid, and as insurance reimbursement declines year after year, look for more revenue streams like this to be more common. My office also charges for copying of records which is perfectly reasonable. This really only applies to an insurance practice since direct pay practices rarely charge for administrative services like this. Insurance obviously does not pay for it.

I was wondering if that was your point after I posted it. It is awful that they are getting to this point of bleeding us dry. I just wonder if Medicaid patients are getting hit with these fees.