Surgeon wants money upfront because of diffficulty w/ Medicare?

Question

My mother-in-law needs breast reduction surgery. The Dr. Wants his fee ($6000) paid before he does the procedure. He says that is because he has trouble collecting from medicare.

My mother-in-law says that she called medicare and got approval for the surgery.

My question is how do I make sure the Surgeon makes an effort to collect from Medicare. (it's my $6000)

Answer 1

talk to a different surgeon then....there has to be one that will work with you.....but, I havent heard of Medicare paying for something like this unless its an emergency operation.....and I am on medicare/supplement......good luck

Answer 2

I am not really sure but I would just assume that all surgeons for surgery are apid up front.
I paid out AU $8000 before my surgery.
$6,500 to my Plastic Surgeon
$500 to my Anaesthetist and $500 to my Assistant Surgeon

Medicare in Australia or what country?

I didn't call Medicare as they don't approve you before surgery but instead afterwards you just take your invoices to them and get the rebate. I went in a few days after my op and got back $900 from the $8000 in surgery fees.
I have since also got a rebate of 20% in Health Tax Benefits when I lodged my tax.

If Medicare has said that they will be covering the surgery then it is up to them and not your mother in law to pay. But you shouldn't be rebated $6000, I had thought that the highest amount possible was $1500. You should probably double check with your surgeons financial accounts manager at his/her offices.

Answer 3

You don't. Many physicians are refusing to accept medicare anymore because it's often so hard to get paid. But I'm supprised medicare would pay for breast reduction surgery unless it is affecting the health of your mother in law.

Answer 4

That is a hard one. You might need to check in with medicare regularly to check on the status of the medical claim. When payed up front, Doctors are not in a big hurry. I think it is ridiculous that doctors can do this when a patient is on medicare.

Answer 5

I would RUN from this doctor.

Find another one who will do the surgery.

I would in no way pay up front if my insurance approved it.