Doctor needs to perform surgery but with charity care, seemed unhappy

[onlyj]

My mom had to go to a specialist doctor (proctogloist- colon and rectum doctor) because every time she had a bowel movement, she felt part of her rectum come out. I found online that it was something called rectal prolapse. She doesn't have insurance and cannot afford healthcare, but I took her to see the doctor. The doctor asked her to push to see the rectum come out, but couldn't see it. She asked me to take a picture of it because she needs to be 100% sure. She saw that we didn't have insurance so she asked us how we would pay and said out of pocket. She asked if we were able to pay and there's something called charity care in which we apply through the hospital. She said we should apply since my mom might require surgery. She said it takes a few weeks for the papers to be processed, and then she made a statement. She said, unfortunately she wouldn't get paid since it's through charity care, and I felt bad and embarrassed. She said to come back in a few weeks when we get the charity care approved and with the picture. I feel horrible that the doctor wouldn't be paid at all when she had to perform surgery and a colonoscopy. Is there any other way I can do something?

[casi, ASN, RN]

Hey, but it's an option, which is fantastic!

Also see if your mom qualifies for any other state medical coverage.

[kessadawn, BSN, RN]

How unprofessional for that doctor to tell you that! Contact a social worker at the hospital, they will be able to give you all the info on any programs out there. Praying for your mom, good luck!

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Just be thankful this doctor cares enough to be willing to do it. Of course you wil need to clarify whether her surgeon fees will be billed to you or if you need to set up a payment plan......

Sounds as though the charity plan is just for hospitalization.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

It wasn't a kind remark the doctor made, but she's willing to do the surgery anyway! Go for it! Don't worry about the doctor not being paid. She can use it as a tax write-off.

[retiredlady]

Yes, you can get it paid by charity. (some of my family has done this), This pays the hospital--not the radiologists or other doctors involved, including the surgeon, But you can arrange to pay monthly. Some take as little as $10 a month, some don't. You have to call and arrange it.

[Katie5]

But the doctor suggested it to you.She may just have made a thoughtless statement without meaning to be rude.

Because she did mention it to you- she could have kept quiet and let you pay out of pocket. And face it too, nurses can be also be demeaning when it comes to NO insurance patients.

[grownuprosie]

Charity care cases are just part of the job for alot of MDs. They plan to see a few a month to write off. (I dont understand the billing 100% but my docs purposely see pts for free.) She may just have mentioned it to make sure you knew. many patients get charity care confused with insurance. Kind of like, "Charity care pays for me to see the GI doc, so i can see the derm doc and the Ophth doc too." It sounds like she was just explaining it to you. The word choice of "unfortunately" was maybe not the best.

You dont have to do anything special. The best thing you can do is be nice to the office staff and thank the doc for her time.

[evabloomy]

I,m sorry about your mum. I was in a similar situation( i mean paying out of pocket) a few months ago but d only difference was that i applied for charity care after i got my bills and after going through them, they were overwhelming & just too much( i had sleepless night over them). So i called d hospital asking for a sort of help or deduction, so i was adviced to apply for d charity care & i did and as luck will have it i got approved and the hospital reduced ....not just reduced but brought to $0 balance! i forwarded the letter to d physicians & labs who attended to me & they also brought my balance to $0! so i ended up paying nothing.

I,m sorry u cant do anything about it if u are approved unless u want to get the doctor a Thank you gift in appreciation' nothing wrong in that....i assume.

We all find ourselves in situations we cant help at one time or another, so u dont have to be embarrassed.

Good Luck in your Application.:loveya:.

[Trekfan]

My mom had to go to a specialist doctor (proctogloist- colon and rectum doctor) because every time she had a bowel movement, she felt part of her rectum come out. I found online that it was something called rectal prolapse. She doesn't have insurance and cannot afford healthcare, but I took her to see the doctor. The doctor asked her to push to see the rectum come out, but couldn't see it. She asked me to take a picture of it because she needs to be 100% sure. She saw that we didn't have insurance so she asked us how we would pay and said out of pocket. She asked if we were able to pay and there's something called charity care in which we apply through the hospital. She said we should apply since my mom might require surgery. She said it takes a few weeks for the papers to be processed, and then she made a statement. She said, unfortunately she wouldn't get paid since it's through charity care, and I felt bad and embarrassed. She said to come back in a few weeks when we get the charity care approved and with the picture. I feel horrible that the doctor wouldn't be paid at all when she had to perform surgery and a colonoscopy. Is there any other way I can do something?

With the hospitals charging what thay do any help would be better then none . I just got my bill for my surgery pluse one night it was 10,000 :eek:

[Orange Tree]

I'd be willing to suffer through some embarrassment for free medical care. Best of luck to your mother.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Your mother has found a physician who is willing to treat her condition for limited to no payment, and has kindly directed you to social services programs which might help her financially.

I'm not seeing what the problem is?