Up front payment for surgery

I just got a letter from the hospital saying I must bring $771 on Monday for them to take my port out. This is what they guess my out of pocket cost to be. Is this normal??  They say if my insurance pays more they will refund the overpayment. I could see their point if I had bad credit or if I left them hang too long on a prior bill. That is not the case. I don't think they should be able to hold my money while insurance is pending. If this thing wasn't so uncomfortable I'd just leave it in and keep my money. Thanks for listening to my complaint, Marie

[msjazz]

I never heard of that unless you owed money. Have you been to this hospital before? I would call my insurance and if they are in network with that hospital, have them contact the hospital and ask what is the problem.   Donna

[marie3B]

I went there for my ovca surgery and had my balance paid really fast. They are my network provider hospital. I'll call them tomorrow. Right now I'm too grouchy about it to talk. I do know that they have alot of people not paying their accounts and they do provide charity to the poor. Thanks, Marie

[msjazz]

I see no reason to pay up front if that is the case. Go get them tomorrow. Lol. Donna

[marie3B]

Our dog's vet is an excellent surgeon. I bet he'd take it out for $75 if I was a Labrador!!!

[nyc lady]

You have insurance????  Why would they ask you to pay????  That is not right!!!!  Isn't it considered a surgical procedure to remove the port???  Call the insurance company.  
If the doctor is part of the insurance plan, then he should accept what the insurance company gives him.  No one asked me to pay the difference in what was billed compared to what the doctor charged for any of my sugeries or doctor visits.

Maybe the vet is the way to go!!!! HAHA.

Pam

[vegas2cr]

Gosh Marie I never in my life heard such a thing unless you have to pay 20% or something on your insurance.. When I lived in the states I just had to pay a copay.. Call them and stop being aggravated..  I know easy for me to say..  I like your Vet idea... Hey my dogs were 2 spays here and 1 neuter and all meds etc and total bill was less than $100.  and thats for 3 dogs... come on down... LOL  Ronni