Charged extra $200.00 for one word anserr

[u/Intelligent-Mud7047]

I went to annual physical. Dr. asked me how my headaches were. My reply “Better”. I received an extra charge for office visit for $200.00. Am I suppose to refuse to answer questions during annual exams?

[u/Sad-Contract9994]

I hear you but there is no way people get 92% discounts on the regular uninsured. The uninsured, who cannot show financial resources, also have trouble getting treatment. If you’ve been in the industry for 30 years and are gonna tell me that you can walk into a good oncologist with no insurance and expect to pay 10% of their customary, I’m gonna need to make some calls to some and pretend not to have insurance to check that out. — I’d also like to play a game called, how far out will they book me when I tell them I’m cash pay and going to need a discount.

My mother, when she was pregnant with my sister, needed a life flight and my sister was in the NICU. At one point they wheeled her down, while she was still admitted, to negotiate with a really nasty and threatening billing department. She was hounded for a long time with bills. The calls, the letters, trying to get those discounts— she did NOT get 90% off. (Yep, mom was really unlucky.)

But we agree: it’s sad, there’s nothing good about any of the options, and the choice is personal.

[u/Highstakeshealthcare → u/Sad-Contract9994]

Go to HCA’s website and look at their financial aid policy. It’s there in black and white.

[u/Highstakeshealthcare → u/Sad-Contract9994]

That’s the hospital discount. I don’t know about the doctors but I do know I had a friend that went to an HCA hospital two months ago with no insurance. The bill was $19k. When she called them they said since she was insured, she only had to pay 8% (right at $1500). Even after all this time I had to look it up myself. lol. But it’s on their website and they never asked for her income.