What do I do with my doctor's bill?

Question

I went to the doctors recently to examine my knee. They ran 2 x-ray's (which I knew I didn't need) and the doctor examined me for about 10 minutes and said there's nothing he could do really.

First, I have decent insurance. I paid the co-pay upfront.

Now I get 2 bills, one for like 25$ and another for 850$, $350 of which I have to pay!

I have good credit, and I feel like I've been ripped off. What should I do?

What happens if I just don't pay?

Answer 1

You went to the Dr to seek treatment for your knee therefore you are ultimately responsible for the bills.  Xrays are routine for joint injuries or complaints of pain.  If you do not pay the Dr office or hospital has the legal right to send you to collection to get their money.

Answer 2

Your copay only covers the office visit itself.

Any other services you have done in the office...x-rays, lab tests, etc...fall under what your benefit level for those services would be.  If you have a deductible for lab or x-ray services, then you are obligated to pay it.

If you "just don't pay," the provider can put you in collections and take you to court to get a judgment against you.  And yes, it will appear on your credit report.

Answer 3

Do you owe these because you have a high deductible?

Make sure these bills have passed through the insurance company and you are paying the rate allowable by your insurance carrier. You should receive an EOB (explanation of benefits) which will show the amount the DR charged, the amount the insurance company paid, amount discounted and the amount you owe.

If after that you still owe over $250 you can use a medical claim review and settlement organization. If you visit MyMedicalcontrol.com they will try and negotiate a lower price for you. If they succeed you will pay them 30% of what they saved you, if they are not able to get you a better price you are not charged anything.

You can always make small payments to the doctor until paid off.

Not paying will get your account sent to collections.

Answer 4

You owe.  Examine the terms of your insurance for deductibles and co-pays.  Next time ask first.