r/HealthInsurance • u/PromotionAgile • 9d ago
Plan Benefits High charge at urgent care
I was charged $900 for a 15 minute visit to urgent care. Insurance doesn't cover any of it because I have a high deductible plan. I called the medical practice saying the charge was ridiculous. They checked the billing codes and found no error.
They said the insurance company sets the price and I can file a grievance with insurance. That seems like a wild goose chase.
Why is it so expensive? Is there anything I can do to reduce the cost?
17
Upvotes
5
u/Time-Understanding39 8d ago
My When you go to urgent care or the ER, you’re not just paying for the few minutes you spend with a doctor. You’re paying for the whole setup that’s ready in case something serious happens.
That means: • Special equipment (X-rays, labs, heart monitorsuyu, etc.) that has to be bought and maintained even if you don’t use it. • Specially trained staff (doctors, nurses, techs) available 24/7 who can handle anything from a broken bone to a heart attack. • The ability to treat emergencies right away, which is more expensive to keep running than a regular clinic.
So the bill covers the constant readiness and resources, not just the 15 minutes you were seen.