Is it weird to ask the rough estimate of a medical procedure? I need to make an MRI appointment but..I’m more concerned about the cost (yes, I have insurance). Because I really don’t need any more high cost medical bills
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Not weird at all! Ask for the estimate and when you get the bill, ask for detailed bill with the charges described separately or itemized like you said. Hospitals are notorious for charging you for things you didn’t get. As of January 7th 2025, medical debt can no longer go on your credit report.
You can ask for the billing code they are going to bill insurance and ask insurance how much they will pay and what your portion is. Also stand alone imaging centers are drastically cheaper than getting one done in a hospital. Your entitled to this information and insurance it’s all about billing codes :)
For me finally understanding my insurance plan has is helpful. So I am responsible for 80% of a bill till I meet my set deductible then my portion is 20% (all plans are different this is just how mine works)
Not a weird question, but a great question!
In the US ask for a GFE! It’s called a “Good Faith Estimate”. It’s the estimate BEFORE your insurance kicks in. Then call your insurance to see if all is covered.
If I paid with insurance it was going to be $3K. I asked to self pay and it would be $500. Ask for self-pay/out of pocket cost.
What Linda said! I work for a radiology group people price shop ALL the time and we offer a out of pocket discount without going through your insurance which is loads cheaper then high deductible plans! Most people opt for that option and don’t go through insurance
I’m in the USA 🇺🇸 I have insurance MRI We have money I generally ask for itemized statements But we all know one medical situation can really put you in debt. And I want to be ahead of the cost. I hate when the bill comes and it’s this surprise game of “how much did that cost?!?!?”.