They have accepted the terms of my insurance up until this point in my pregnancy, now they are saying that my insurance does not pay them enough for their services and may or may not see me through the full term and follow up care. Aren't they obligated to see me through to the end of this pregnancy and follow up before dropping me?
2007-11-06 08:41:16 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I have been a patient with this prcatice for 2.5 years and this is my second pregnancy with this practice. They have accepted the terms of my insurance up until this point in my pregnancy, now they are saying that my insurance does not pay them enough for their services and may or may not see me through the full term and follow up care. Aren't they obligated to see me through to the end of this pregnancy and follow up before dropping me?
2007-11-06 08:52:57 · update #1
I have been a patient with this practice for 2.5 years and this is my second pregnancy with this practice.
2007-11-06 08:56:42 · update #2
Technically, yes your doctor can drop you and refuse service if you can't afford to pay or have current insurance. The paperwork you signed as a patient when you first filed with the doctor's office probably has it in fine print.
Some doctor's offices will work with you and offer alternative options, though. Your doctor sounds like he's in it only for the money. Do you really want to stick with him if he doesn't care for his patients well being over money?
2007-11-06 08:45:49 · answer #1 · answered by foxsuite 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What's with all these questions about crazy policies in Pa today???? When I was living there I never understood they do things and I guess I still don't to this day. If they are dropping your insurance then they won't be getting paid for seeing you. They could decide not drop the insurance you have but not accept any new patients with that insurance until all OB patients with that particular insurance have delivered.... but that's up to them. Ethically they should see you until you are delivered but I don't think they have to legally. I wouldn't want to see them anymore after all this. Get your records and beg another doctor to see you. If this doc has no regards for what you will do if they stop seeing you then they aren't people I would want handling this important time in my life.
2007-11-06 08:48:21 · answer #2 · answered by Me 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A physician office is NEVER obligated to 'see anyone' under law. However, you should be able to make arrangements with the office to continue your pregnancy care, but do expect that you will be required to pay the excess charges over and above what your insurer covers in network, vs out of network. If you do not desire to accept the reduced levels of insurer payment, then you are advised to change services to a physician within your network.
2016-05-28 04:09:19 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they're not obligated to keep seeing you. They are obligated to get paid and if your insurance won't cover it and you can't pay them, they do not have to keep seeing you.
As a side note, your doctor may be morally or ethically obligated to see you through your pregnancy. However, with all the other things involved in modern medical practice (i.e. malpractice suits and insurance), morality and ethics may be taking a backseat.
2007-11-06 08:48:31 · answer #4 · answered by StressedLawStudent 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, welcome to what is happening to our health care system.
You need to see if you can up grade your insurance and pay the extra fees to keep it going as a PPO, because no insurance is going to cost you a lot more in the long run.
Please read "The Cost of Being Sick" by Nickalous Web, he is predicting the cost of health care within the next 7 years and you have got to be aware of this or you will be blind sided by the cost and not be able to afford it, even for your children.
Its not going to get better. I don't care who is voted into office.
2007-11-06 08:45:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not very nice of them, but I don't think they are legally obligated to see you throughout your pregnancy.
Good luck!
2007-11-06 08:43:47 · answer #6 · answered by Rumpy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you want to know right away call the doctors office anonymously and ask.
2007-11-06 08:45:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you agree to pay the doctor for his services, he will not refuse you. He does not have to treat you for free.
2007-11-06 08:45:10 · answer #8 · answered by regerugged 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would think so, but I'm not 100% sure. Hopefully there is a lawyer on here answering questions.
2007-11-06 08:43:49 · answer #9 · answered by Samantha 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
they should be!!!!!!
get another doc for sure.
CONGRATS BTW
2007-11-06 08:44:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋