r/HospitalBills • u/novaseestars • Jan 14 '25

Hospital-Non Emergency Gastro appointment today, how to pay less?

My estimate is $374 and im a broke 18 yr old college student. I need this appointment cause of serious gastro issues and i already prepaid that money. Is it possible to get some of it back by talking to my insurance or doctors? I use blue cross blue shield (sadly) and the appt's with Baylor Medicine.

For future gastro appointments/labs, how can i pay less?

edit: this place was in network and the closest

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u/LumarHealth Jan 14 '25

Hey Nova - sucks to hear you’re dealing with this—medical bills are a nightmare especially as a student (been there, done that, feel your pain). Definitely glad to hear that you are taking care of your health.

I know it sounds like a fortune, but $374 is not a huge amount for a medical bill (particularly anything gastro). This said here's what you can try to try save on future appointments:

  • Ask for Cash Pricing: Sometimes, paying upfront without insurance is cheaper. It sounds odd, but many clinics have a “cash price” option that can save you money.
  • Try to stick with In-Network Providers and Labs: Always double-check if your doctor or lab is in-network with your insurance. You can call Blue Cross Blue Shield or look it up online.
  • Shop Around for Labs: Ask your doctor to send lab orders to an in-network lab, and compare costs in your area. Some labs are way cheaper than others.
  • Look for Student or Low-Income Discounts: Some clinics or hospitals offer sliding-scale fees based on your income. Check with local health clinics or your school’s health center for affordable options.

Hope this helps just a little ... you'll get through this ... good luck!!

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u/novaseestars Jan 15 '25

thank u :)