Medical costs that aren't medicine

Ever wish you had a little more understanding of why medical care is so expensive? Here's an issue you might not have thought about.

Every single insurance company negotiates separately with the doctors and hospitals. Each network within each company is negotiated separately as well. This means that when you go to the doctor they have to figure out which company you are with and what their negotiated rate is with that company. If you have a copay it's usually easier (on you). BUT - sometimes things happen in the doctor's office (like lab work or x-rays) that cost extra. Those may cause an additional copay or charge towards your deductible. They may have to determine if you've met your deductible and what your co-insurance percentage is. Sometimes (especially if you DON'T have copays) they have to estimate the costs and then see what the insurance pays. [I have gotten a refund from my doctor for several doctors visits since they had to estimate.] Sometimes you've met your deductible or max but the system is behind and they want you to pay anyway (and then get a refund)

All of this takes time and people - and that costs money. The cost of this research is part of your medical bill. The only way to reduce this cost is to have all insurance companies at the same negotiated rate (don't hold your breath on that one) or to go to a single payer system.

Insurance is confusing - we all need answers. Remember that Just the Facts Insurance Agency is here to give you just the facts you need to protect those you love!