r/HealthInsurance • u/arwenthenoble • 14d ago

Claims/Providers Full office visit co-pay charged for MyChart message

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.

197 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

292 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

4

u/le5lie_ 13d ago

Is this not part of the care you provide your patients? I’m a teacher. Do I get to charge for parent emails?

If you are truly getting that many messages then that might be a reflection of something that needs addressed. A follow up question or a quick check in that something we discussed at a previous visit shouldn’t be a line item. That’s absolutely punitive and mercenary.

I already waited 8 months for a GI appt. I got a fifteen minute visit that schedule over $16k of testing, minor procedures, and diagnostics. I messaged my GI in MyChart and the nurse who works for the practice answered my question about 24 hours later. It’s part of my plan of care.

0

u/ArisuKarubeChota 13d ago

Lawyers charge by the minute. Any medical making decision involves the risk of a lawsuit, even just a message, in this litigious country. Given that risk, I say charge every phone call and message.