tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323692122514281455.post3202731852264282340..comments2024-03-22T17:05:55.267-04:00Comments on MD Whistleblower: Whistleblower Holiday Cheer 2019!Michael Kirsch, M.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07555280388086931097noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323692122514281455.post-12493062673696466012019-12-30T12:31:31.300-05:002019-12-30T12:31:31.300-05:00@Chad, rev'd your comment. I would request th...@Chad, rev'd your comment. I would request that you not quote from this blog, but I wish you well in your endeavors. MKMichael Kirsch, M.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07555280388086931097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323692122514281455.post-77337530985950373072019-12-29T05:29:02.298-05:002019-12-29T05:29:02.298-05:00Dear Dr. Kirsch,
The Case of the Disappearing Cop...Dear Dr. Kirsch,<br /><br />The Case of the Disappearing Copayment<br /><br />I had a nuclear cardiological stress test this week. Two days before the test, I was called by the cardiologist's office and informed that there would be a copay of $143 for the test. This had not been mentioned when I made the appointment and I thought perhaps my coverage had changed, so I called my health insurance company and was informed that the procedure would be reimbursed with no copay. Upon arrival for the test, the receptionist asked me for the payment. I informed her that the insurance company told me that there would not be a copayment required. She said she would look into it and, when I checked out, she said it appeared that there would not be any copay required. Before the medical professionals conducted the test, I asked them if the addition of the nuclear injections created the need to charge extra. They expressed surprise that a copay was required. It was their understanding that if the test was covered, it would be fully covered. Of course, they are not involved with the business end of cardiology. I am going to ask their business manager who determined the amount of the copay, how the amount was determined and if and when it was communicated to them by the insurance company. I wonder if it could be their business practice to invent a copay and ask the patient to pay it and to remove it if challenged by the patient.<br /><br />If you are interested in posting a blog on this issue under your Cost Control Quality heading, I will be glad to let you know of the outcome of my investigation. Is this a practice that has come to your attention?<br /><br />Also, may I have permission to quote from your blog posts in articles that I am considering writing for local publications (including their websites) with attribution to MD Whistleblower?<br /><br />Sincerely yours, <br />Charles StinardChad Stinardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10272164742324061131noreply@blogger.com