Do you ask for an estimate before a medical/dental procedure?

Question

I don't think many people do, and from my experience and observation no doctors do unless asked. (Smart on their part for their finance)

However, I've learned my lesson, and I need to start doing that.

Now, I already made an appointment. I think I have the right to ask for an estimate and what they think the insurance will cover, and ask them to put it on paper. They'll probably give estimate and expected insurance coverage, but will they put in on the paper? I have doubts.

What do you think?

Answer 1

Yes you should ask, and yes they will probably tell you about what the insurance will cover.  

Answer 2

Sounds like a great idea, especially for elective or non-emergency procedures.  A bit impractical if you're bleeding to death from going thru a windshield ... but I think you're onto something there.

Answer 3

ask  her at the desk.

Answer 4

Yes, of course they will put it in writing if you ask.

The only thing is that sometimes when doing surgery, they are not completely sure what all they will have to do until they see the condition of the organ they are working on.  That's the only reason that I've ever seen for people having trouble getting a firm estimate.

And they definitely will call your insurance carrier to find out what will be paid before they operate.  They call me all day long for that purpose.

Health Care in the U.S. is not broken.  We have the best in the world, except that not everybody can afford it.  Still, there are many many people who receive free health care because they cannot afford it.

In other countries, people have to wait much longer to obtain health care.  That is not good either, right?