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The attorney didn't bill squat until they had a contract that specified such. If the doctor wants to have patients first sign a contract or advise them that answering a question will be billable, fine.
Reminds me of the old story of the doctor and the attorney who met one another at a party. One thing led to another, and physician began to complain about patients trying to get free medical advice all the time - even at the party.
The physician said to the lawyer, "Does this happen to you? What do you do?"
The lawyer replied, "All the time. I just send them a bill Monday morning.
Monday morning rolled around, and the doctor received a bill from the lawyer: "Legal Advice $150."
If not, they'd better start! People don't hesitate to ask, expecting free advice so I don't doubt many doctors will start to charge. Once THEY start charging people will either expect insurance to pay or will more than likely stop emailing.
Reminds me of the old story of the doctor and the attorney who met one another at a party. One thing led to another, and physician began to complain about patients trying to get free medical advice all the time - even at the party.
The physician said to the lawyer, "Does this happen to you? What do you do?"
The lawyer replied, "All the time. I just send them a bill Monday morning.
Monday morning rolled around, and the doctor received a bill from the lawyer: "Legal Advice $150."
Nice joke, but as they had not established a business relationship the bill was scrap paper.
Telehealth visits should be covered in one of the three acceptable forms. Consumers should be checking the EOBs to make sure the billing was for the right level of service.
Telehealth visits should be covered in one of the three acceptable forms. Consumers should be checking the EOBs to make sure the billing was for the right level of service.
This. I used a telehealth-type service for the first time last year during a road trip. They collected my insurance information during the call. My insurance was billed and the subsequent EOB I received reflected a deductible as well as percentage covered.
I just sent a message in my GP's portal asking for a prescription to be refilled. She answered that the script was called into my pharmacy. No charge for this, I hope it doesn't change.
I had my annual physical at the beginning of the year. Billed the usual $500 or so before insurance. Prescriptions were ordered (refills authorized to be precise) and labwork ordered. I went to a clinic and did the labwork (I paid the clinic for the labs). The clinic called me and told me the (benign) results of the labs and that they were being sent to my doctor. Again, the clinic said no major issues.
About a week later, the doctor's receptionist calls me, leaves message that the doctor wants to review my labs via the phone. I call back, but only can reserve a future appointment. At the appointed hour, I phone and am put on a long hold (20+ minutes), whereafter the doctor gets on the phone and tells me the labs all look good. Two minute conversation maximum, mostly pleasantries. I said thank you, and that was that. Billed $100 the next day for a "telehealth visit." I'm going to chat with my insurer, but this just seems excessive.
An annual physical in my opinion should include any review of the results of that physical, even if it happens weeks later. Also, a "no problems" result can be handled in writing -- email or even a letter -- and asynchronously. Do not need to speak to the doctor in real time for basically zero new information.
I had my annual physical at the beginning of the year. Billed the usual $500 or so before insurance. Prescriptions were ordered (refills authorized to be precise) and labwork ordered. I went to a clinic and did the labwork (I paid the clinic for the labs). The clinic called me and told me the (benign) results of the labs and that they were being sent to my doctor. Again, the clinic said no major issues.
About a week later, the doctor's receptionist calls me, leaves message that the doctor wants to review my labs via the phone. I call back, but only can reserve a future appointment. At the appointed hour, I phone and am put on a long hold (20+ minutes), whereafter the doctor gets on the phone and tells me the labs all look good. Two minute conversation maximum, mostly pleasantries. I said thank you, and that was that. Billed $100 the next day for a "telehealth visit." I'm going to chat with my insurer, but this just seems excessive.
An annual physical in my opinion should include any review of the results of that physical, even if it happens weeks later. Also, a "no problems" result can be handled in writing -- email or even a letter -- and asynchronously. Do not need to speak to the doctor in real time for basically zero new information.
Next time tell the receptionist no thanks.
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