Squeezed by declining reimbursements, doctors now charging for once-free services

renerian, BSN, RN · Jun 19, 2003

I went to see a cardiologist last year. On the desk was a big sign. It said that if you are put on a new medication and wish to be taught about the medication, there was a $3.00 charge which was not covered by insurance. I was shocked.

renerian

Peeps Mcarthur · Jun 19, 2003

Geeze,

what's next, a tip jar?:chuckle

kids · Jun 19, 2003

Originally posted by renerian
I went to see a cardiologist last year. On the desk was a big sign. It said that if you are put on a new medication and wish to be taught about the medication, there was a $3.00 charge which was not covered by insurance. I was shocked. renerian

OMG ren, I don't see how they can get away with this!

Patient teaching IS included in the CPT code for the office visit (sort of)...the length and complexity of the visit determins the CPT code and insurance pays based on the code. (My guess is they had crappy documentation to support a more complex code and they had claims rejected.)

mother/babyRN, RN · Jun 20, 2003

Maybe nurses should charge for individual services....

nialloh, RN · Jun 20, 2003

Originally posted by mother/babyRN
Maybe nurses should charge for individual services....

Be careful, you'll give them ideas:rolleyes:

ktwlpn, LPN · Jun 20, 2003

Originally posted by NRSKarenRN
Found at healthleaders.com

Squeezed by health insurance reimbursements that that doctors say haven't kept pace with expenses, doctors in Pittsburgh and across the country are applying a more business-minded attitude toward copays and missed appointments.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 17, 2003
http://www.post-gazette.com/healthscience/20030617hcopays0617p1.asp

I read the article and I agree-a physician's office has to be run like a business....Most companies that I deal with expect payment at the time of service.I am prompt for my appointments and expect the office to be ready for me within a reasonable amount of time.I expect to pay for other services performed by the office staff.As for the cardiologist-I would report that to the insurance company,the AMA and anyone else I could think of....-what is he doing-making his patients schedule another appoinment for med counseling? That is part of his exam-he has to educate his pts regarding any prescriptions he writes...I am sure he would stop this practice if he were reported