Published
Did they ask you about income? Many community clinics are based on a sliding scale fee based on income. Most people who go to community clinics do not have jobs and/or insurance. If they knew you had insurance, they likely had a fee that was higher than someone who does not have insurance. Perhaps you need to look at different insurance. If that isn't possible, there is always pre-tax health spending accounts and the good old standby of saving all your receipts for anything and itemizing on your income tax to get some money back.
Nuieve
262 Posts
I went to the local community health clinic for immunizations last October as a new patient. Today I received the bill. They charge me 137$ for the visit alone (my insurance doesn't cover preventive care).
I think it's a bit steep for community clinic, especially since other than giving me shots, all they did was a MA took my (very brief, like 5 minutes tops) history, checked my vitals, and the doctor jumped in for 2-3 minutes, asked if I was ok, palpated my stomach, listened to my heart and then left. I did spend more than an hour in the clinic though, but simply waiting in a room for somebody to check on me.
I'm not really aware of local charges, so I have a fear I'm being ripped off (I'm an international student here).
I failed to google any information on this matter, so I'm asking it here. Maybe some of you can give me at least some thoughts on this.
Thanks!