Poll

Who should pay for these knee braces?

doctor?
2 (66.7%)
insurance?
1 (33.3%)

Total Members Voted: 2

Author Topic: Billing  (Read 3174 times)

lat82480

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Billing
« on: November 19, 2009, 12:25:25 PM »
I recently went to an orthopedic doctor concerning my knees that have been giving trouble for a while. My doctor gave me two knee braces. She gave them to me in a way as if they were just lying around and she had extra samples so I didn't think anything of it, as in I didn't think it would be an issue with insurance. She didn't say it was necessary that I wear them she just gave them to me if I wanted to wear them if I was doing something active.
I received a bill today for $400 for these knee braces that I never even used! Is there anything I can do about this? I've already contacted my insurance and I have a high deductible plan so it only covered a small portion of the braces. I called the brace company and they said they won't accept returns. Who should I get in contact with? I am trying to get in contact with my Doctor because I feel like it wasn't brought to my attention when I paid that there could possibly be a huge bill coming my way. If I do in fact get in touch with my doctor and billing, what should I say to convince them that they screwed up?
Please please help me! I do not want to pay $400 for something I am never going to use. They hurt!
 :-[

Pay_My_Claims

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Re: Billing
« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2009, 04:45:55 PM »
They NEVER give you anything unless they are sample med (and they stopped that as well). Do you know what your DME benefits are? Did the cost apply to your deductible?

lat82480

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Re: Billing
« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2009, 06:44:37 PM »
HI,
What is DME benefits? All I know is that I called the insurance co and they said that they pay 100% after my deductible has been met.
And yes part of the cost applied to my deductible, but only $100.

But since my deductible is so high I've only paid $600 of my $2000 and therefore have to pay the difference. Normally I wouldn't have a problem with this and understand the situation, but it's because of the way my doctor gave them to me. I know they never "give" you anything, but she didn't even bring up anything about it potentially costing me an arm and a leg for something perhaps not necessary.

I just feel so trapped. I'm not even going to use the braces because they hurt too much. It just doesn't make sense that you can't return them if they've never been used.


PMRNC

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Re: Billing
« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2009, 07:53:47 PM »
I'd march back to your doctors and give them right back and ask him to produce a receipt that you returned them.
I wouldn't take no for an answer, just make sure they were not on your bill when you went home with them.
Then I would write a letter to your insurance company and give them a copy of the receipt from the doctors showing you gave them back because it sounds like the doctor is trying to get paid for them.
Linda Walker
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Michele

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Re: Billing
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2009, 08:47:09 PM »
I would do the same.  The DR absolutely should have made you aware that the braces would be billed to your insurance and what the cost of the braces was in case insurance didn't cover them.  Especially disturbing is that the DR didn't indicate that using the braces would help with the condition, and/or why you needed the braces.

Michele
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Medical Billing Forum

Re: Billing
« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2009, 08:47:09 PM »

Pay_My_Claims

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Re: Billing
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2009, 11:32:24 AM »
HI,
What is DME benefits? All I know is that I called the insurance co and they said that they pay 100% after my deductible has been met.
And yes part of the cost applied to my deductible, but only $100.

But since my deductible is so high I've only paid $600 of my $2000 and therefore have to pay the difference. Normally I wouldn't have a problem with this and understand the situation, but it's because of the way my doctor gave them to me. I know they never "give" you anything, but she didn't even bring up anything about it potentially costing me an arm and a leg for something perhaps not necessary.

I just feel so trapped. I'm not even going to use the braces because they hurt too much. It just doesn't make sense that you can't return them if they've never been used.



DME is supplies (durable medical equipment). When I went to see my pulmonologist and have a PFT test done they "gave" me a spacer, but the MA told me that the MD bills for them. Once you blow into it, they can't use it again. I could have refused it, and purchased my own. It is always cheaper at a pharmacy. At that time you really should have asked them if this was a charge. You can try to do what Linda stated, but I doubt if they take them back. Look at your charge sheet, I can bet you they are on there along with your signature.

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Billing
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2009, 11:32:24 AM »