Full office visit co-pay charged for MyChart message

[u/arwenthenoble]

I had a question about a temporary medication I was taking and sent a message via MyChart. The message was only regarding the medication (no other health questions were asked).

I received my EOB and was charged a full $50 co-pay like when I go in person for a visit or have a full video visit. When I looked online, I see in general messaging costs listed as much lower than a visit. Does this mean my insurance doesn’t differentiate a full visit from a brief question in a message? If I had known, I would’ve scheduled an online telehealth visit instead.

I’ve had a lot of medical costs this year and another random $50 stings. I will avoid using MyChart going forward.

[u/voodoobunny999]

To answer your question, the $50 amount is based on your benefits—in other words, that amount is because of your insurance company. The frightening (and frankly, disgusting) part is that means that your doc is charging more than $50 for a return message. That’s worth having a talk with the doctor’s office about.

That being said, more doctors are charging for this nowadays. As insurers clamp down on reimbursement in one place, providers have to look at other places to offset.

[u/arwenthenoble → u/voodoobunny999]

It’s too expensive for a “you may or may not be charged for this.” I’ll confirm what’s no cost (like refills) at my next visit and only use it for those things. Otherwise I’ll just do a same or next day video visit.

[u/voodoobunny999 → u/arwenthenoble]

You are absolutely right to do those things, and in your shoes, I’d take it up with the doctor’s office—not because they charged you, but because this is likely a significant change in policy that you would have taken into account had you been notified beforehand. I’d request one-time reimbursement now that you’re aware.

[u/boogi3woogie → u/arwenthenoble]

That’s the whole point - they want you to book an appointment if you want to talk to a doctor about a medical issue.

[u/Comfortable_Two6272 → u/arwenthenoble]

Some are now charging for refills if not done during the apt. Seeing this more frequently.

[u/nyc2pit → u/voodoobunny999]

What do you expect to hear in that "talk" with your doctor's office?

What we charge and what insurance will pay are vastly different. What you owe is between you and your insurer.

[u/voodoobunny999 → u/nyc2pit]

I’d expect that they refund my $50. From that point on, I’d expect to be charged for future messages, but I would be able to make an informed decision.

If I was your patient and after a visit received a bill for $50 from your office for using the waiting room and drinking a cup of coffee, I think you’d understand why I’d be loathe to pay that bill unless your office had previously notified me of this new policy.

You want to charge for messages? Fine—let me know. When you reach into my pocket without notifying me, you’re no better than a pickpocket.