Urine Cytology Costs ... !

Thank you everyone for responses.

NOW I am REALLY UPSET about what transpired at my Uroligist office!
My wife called the office to inquire about the charges that I signed off on
1) Fish Test - $1200
2) Cystoscopy- $725

How can a very popular Uroligist in SE MI charge me $1200 for a FISH test fully knowing the approved charge by all insurance companies is $120-$200??
Is this not abuse? Is this not criminal? I need to hear from some people who have been in a similar situation ie. Pays a % of their healthcare out of pocket. The rest of you should also be VERY interested in how much your health care REALLY costs!

My wife cancelled the test.

Please respond,
Tom

I just had a cytology done and it was billed at 119.45. That amount was reduced to 101.53 when paid by insurance as the difference is the negotiated rate (quantity discounts negotiated by insurance companies for network member providers).

I do remember a bill from a year ago, but I can't find it, that had a FISH test for around $1000. Not sure what the discounted amount is.

Even with insurance companies that you have to pay a high deductible, you are typically only supposed to have to pay the same discounted amount as the insurance company would pay for the test (up until your high deductible is paid and then insurance covers the rest or a high percentage of the rest).

Mike

Hi Tom, the FISH on my husband's form is also around $140. These are the prices listed that the insurance company pays (no charge to us). The insurance is through U of M. We are British and have lived in MI for 5 years and find this insurance/health care stuff frustrating... the NHS is easier!
Mona

Julie,
Yes, FISH was the name of the test. Thanks. Is that a normal fee presented to a bladder cancer patient for a simple urine test? What I really mean is, why would they try to charge me $1200 for a test when they know if it went through an insurance company they would only be paid $200??

Lee H. indicates that once the bill is submittted to an insurance company ...the price paid might drop to $200.

I suspect somthing is seriously broken in our health care billing system. I am new to this, since I have always had my insurance coverage with no out of pocket charges. Never really cared what it cost... (YES ... Another Blind and Dumb American who did not care what abuse was taking place) That all changed when GM and Chrysler went under (I live in the Detroit region and work as an Automotive Engineer). So now, I will be looking at these strange costing structures.

More insights from this forum greatly appreciated!

Tom

That price seems more like what is being charged for the FISH test. If your insurance doesn't cover the tests. Find out from the Dr. office what specific test is being used. Also tell them you would like to pay whatever insurance companies pay for the test. Most medical bills we see are a lot higher than what they actually are paid by insurance companies. Most places will negotiate fees. Julie

they will send that to your insurance co who will substantially reduce the fee so no one will be paying 1200. I'd bet when you get your statement from ins it will be 200 or less