Doctors Seek Fees at Time Of Service

March 5, 2009

When Nicole Atkinson, 29, of Baltimore scheduled the first obstetrics appointment of her pregnancy last year, she knew the experience would come with its share of surprises. But Atkinson wasn’t at all prepared for a financial one: a request to pay up her full deductible — $600 — before the doctor would see her for the exam.

“So, I fired her,” says Atkinson, who then switched doctors to one who charged only a co-pay for each visit.

But if Atkinson decides to have another baby, she may not be able to avoid that balloon payment. More and more physicians are asking for the patient’s share of that day’s medical fees, including any deductible set by the insurer, at the time of the visit.

Read Article: Washington Post

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