Anyone ever negotiated the price of a medical procedure?

[raccoon]

Because of my age (over 50), my doctor said I should have a colonoscopy. I have an individual medical policy with a humongous deductible, which means I'd be paying for this out of pocket.

The doctor suggested I call around and ask some providers what they would charge if I paid them in cash.

Anyone ever done this?

And by the way, the doctor said a lot of his patients don’t have insurance.

[phantom power]

1. I've heard of it, but never done it. In our brave new crappy-insurance world...

I suppose it's a skill we should all consider learning.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

2. Only with a chicken.

:argh:

[sinkingfeeling]

3. No, I haven't done that for my self, just pets, but don't forget to ask how many chickens they'd

take as well.

[cbdo2007]

4. Check Dave Ramsey's website - he gives lots of good advice on this

I think you can search through shows to see what people said about this, and he may even have a step-by-step guide.

I know Dave Ramsey doesn't get much love here at DU, but he's been telling people for years that anything can be negotiated and he walks people through the process daily on his radio show.

Good luck!

[Vinca]

5. A couple of years ago I had my hip x-rayed and there were 2 bills,

1 from the hospital and 1 from the radiologist. The hospital charged me full tilt (I'm uninsured) and I paid. The radiologist's office called and asked for my mailing address, though, and I mentioned I was uninsured and asked if they might be able to reduce their fee a bit. I nearly fell over when I got the bill. What would normally have been $200 was billed for $20. I couldn't write a check fast enough to them. It restored my faith in mankind (for a couple of days anyway). I'd definitely ask around re the colonoscopy.

[renate]

7. awww.... that's a great story!

I'm sure karma will be very good to that doctor. :loveya:

[uncommon]

15. That's really wonderful.

I'm glad that worked out well for you.

[TalkingDog]

6. I've actually bartered my artwork for treatment.

But it's not something I'd want to do every day. (mostly because money-wise the doctor got a lot of artwork for a little treatment)

[Change Happens]

8. I have and it worked...Actually paid off for me to shop before I had to ask, as I called

around, I found certain places charge way less than others...I had a $2200.00 quote for a sonogram, ended up paying $460.00!!! The $460.00 was $100.00 off.

[Ian David]

9. No, but I did once have a dentist ask me for a loan. n/t

[zipplewrath]

10. Definitely call

It may be hard to find out who you need to speak to, you may have to visit directly. But someone knows, they often have title like "account managers" or "billing specialists". Find out who the largest insurers in your area are, and ask the provider what they charge that company. Ask for that rate. Also, I got all my pre-procedure medications over the counter. Don't use a perscriptions for that part unless you have to. And go on line and look for coupons. And ask if there is a time of day/week/year that is cheaper/better for them.

[EC]

11. Ask him if you can do the smear test first to see if

the colonoscopy is warrented?

[raccoon]

12. Elucidate, my dear Watson. PM me if you like. nt

[EC]

16. Hemoccult testing

Testing of smears of gastric specimen on slides to determine if there is blood in the stool...it would indicate if a colonscapy is needed...There are home tests you can do at home and take the cardboard slides to the lab to have tested...but your doctor would have to provide the kit I think - maybe a clinic would have them... It's called Hemoccult routine screening test for fecal occult blood.

[WinkyDink]

21. The age factor alone makes it warranted.

[cynatnite]

13. Some practices offer discounts to patients who pay cash...

Before our son was put on Coverkids, we got upwards of 60% off office visits and labwork. It doesn't hurt to call around and check into it. Good luck.

[DawgHouse]

14. My friend recently had a colonscopy and she called around to

get prices from different doctors. The prices varied and the lowest price she found was 900.00 for the test. The other day she got a bill for 600.00 for the anesthesia and she wasn't expecting that. She thought the 900.00 included everything.

She was not in a position to say "I have cash" so I wonder how that may have affected her final costs. Good luck!

[XOKCowboy]

17. A friend just did that. Colonoscopy and endoscopy

The doctor basically said it'd be around $3000 if he made payments and $1600 for cash. He had the scopes, paid his money and is now dealing with all of the insurance companies who are calling offering (outrageously priced) medical coverage.

[JPZenger]

18. Radiologist Says he Cuts Prices When Asked

I know a radiologist who ways he cuts his fee whenever a person asks and has real need.

I'm guessing it may be easier to get a discount from a smaller operation than from a huge health conglomerate.

Many medical providers will reduce an out of pocket cost down to what the insurance company pays if the person asks. That is often negotiated as part of a payment plan when people call up after they get the bill.

[Dr.Phool]

19. After United Healthcare refused to pay for my colonoscopy.

The doctors office said (a year after the procedure), that since UH wasn't going to pay, they only charged 50% for self insured, and what had paid so far was considered payment in full.

[AngryAmish]

20. Cash-cash? Someone will do it for 25-33% of list price.