UCI medical center vs private practice costs

[OC]

Hi,

I'm seeing a hepatologist at UCI Medical Center and I have Blue Cross EPO.

I went for a consultation, blood test, & liver biopsy and the cost was about $11,000.00 total, before insurance coverage...So far about $600.00 out of pocket, but I'm scheduled for an ultrasound & EGD in the near future, then back to the doctor at the end of this month...Also, in the process of having my triple therapy (w/ telaprevir) authorized.

My question is, does this seem super expensive so far OR is this what these procedures are costing these days?

thanks!

[OC]

update

I called that Blue Cross number, but I work for a state agency and that number is only for federal issues, (that's what they told me)...

Since I have a $350 deductible, to date $600 out of pocket that isn't to bad.

Just got the approval for telepravir (30 per mo), pegasus (30 per mo), & ribavirin (10 per mo)...to say the least, I'm pretty happy with those prices.

I'm going to stay with the Blue Cross PPO, because I can go to any doctor, in any state, in the network without a referral.

I go back to the doctor on 8-30-11, prior I get another blood test, ultrasound...Unless something out of the ordinary pops up, I'm pretty sure he will start me on the triple therapy soon...

thanks!

[OC]

thanks, i will for sure!

[HectorSF]

Good luck!
Let us know what you find out.


Cheers!
Hector

[OC]

oh, i have a $350 deductible.

[OC]

The doctor and facility are in my network.

Regular biopsy was done.

will call blue cross on monday

thanks for the quick replies!

[copyman]

the most I have heard of for a Hepatologist visit was $600, all blood tests with most sensitive PCR $700 and liver biopsy $2000. So to answer your question yes this seems high. The only thing that could make it that much higher would be if there was a special biopsy done, i.e. wedge core or transjugular. But even with those type of biopsies 11k seems way high. Sometimes the doctor bills the insurance more but will only get the contracted price.
Good luck with your treatment

[HectorSF]

"My question is, does this seem super expensive so far OR is this what these procedures are costing these days? "
It all depends on the coverage you have.

What is your deductible? Is UC Irvine Medical Center "out of network"? I have Anthem Blue Cross of Cali. I pay nothing most of the time as the hospital is "in network". Call and they will provide you with the details of your coverage so you know about how much you can expect to be charged.

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Hope this helps.
Hector