Is my clinic responsible for paying the bill since they messed up?

Question

I have health insurance and used it to get a physical, the clinic decided to not verify if the lab they were sending my blood samples was in-network with my insurance. Because of that my insurance co only paid a portion and the lab billed me for the rest. Is my clinic responsible?

Answer 1

No, you are.  You should have checked first.  The clinic is not obligated to use a lab that is in your network.

Answer 2

No, you should not have to response the bill, is the clinic problem...............  Good luck.

Answer 3

Only if you can convince them they are responsible...which I'm sorry, but that's highly unlikely.  

To add to that, what the first poster said is true.  They are not required to send samples to in network labs.  The responsibility is on you to make sure they are doing so.  So as a piece of advice, if you're ever having something done that will involve the doctor using another provider (such as a lab), it would be a good idea for you to check if they are using an in network provider and if they aren't, see if they can.

Answer 4

No.  You are responsible for the charges incurred.  You received the services.  It's not their responsibility to insure that the lab they choose is part of your network.

Answer 5

~~If you have HMO type insurance, then the clinic has to pay that bill. If you have a PPO or indemnity plan then the responsibility is yours.~~

Answer 6

No, they aren't.  Ultimately, it's up to you to check which lab they are using, and to make sure they use an in network lab.