this is happening in california. doctors are sending out letters to patients stating that they must now pay "up front" for all services and then be reimbursed by the insurance company.
2007-12-02 06:25:39 · 3 answers · asked by charlotte q 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Insurance
It happens. Some doctors offices are going to a cash only basis - it reduces billing and collections staff on their end, if everyone pays up front. (And one would hope that therefore their cash paying patients eventually see a reduction in charges as a result.)
Doctors don't "have" to sign contracts with any insurance companies, nor do they have to participate with Medicare or Medicaid. If they can make that leap and still keep enough patients to stay in business, then they are entitled to do so.
As a patient, you can either do things your doctor's way or find another practitioner. If you're having difficulty finding a provider who will bill your insurance company for you, check with your insurer for a list of contracted providers in your area. Most times, if the provider has a contractual agreement w/your insurer, they'll bill on your behalf.
2007-12-02 06:42:43 · answer #1 · answered by sarah314 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Those doctors are apparently attempting to cut costs in their offices. Insurance billing departments are costly to operate, and I'd venture that a lot of money can be saved by eliminating them, as well as keeping bad debt down very low.
2007-12-03 06:51:43 · answer #2 · answered by acermill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't surprise me. There are a lot of "fake" health policies being sold, and the doctors are being stuck trying to get money from people.
It's a lot easier for THEM to just let you submit their own bills.
There's no obligation for a doctor, anywhere, to deal with the insurance company.
2007-12-02 15:46:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋