Can health care providers run up charges without telling you???

[Bleacher Creature]

I went to my doctor due to a MINOR ankle injury. He sent me to a physical therapist who accepts my insurance. Before going to the PT, I called, gave them my insurance card, my diagnosis, and asked them for an estimated co-payment on my behalf. They told me $40/visit. When I went in, they kept trying all sort sof things on me, without ever telling me that they were extra charges. So today, I see that they submitted more than $500 to my insurance, were paid some of it, and are billing me for the rest. Is this legal???

[yellowdogintexas]

1. they may have just billed it badly

they may have not submitted a treatment plan, which is usually required
and the entire bill may have not been completely billed to your insurance

First thing to do is call your insurance company, or visit the website, and get an explanation of how the claim was processed.

also, read the fine print on your policy/certificate regarding physicaltherapy. There ARE often limitations.

pm me if you have other questions, I worked in medical claims for over 25 years.