Hi All,
Recently, my father had to have surgery to remove some cancerous spots on his skin. Before the surgery, he was asked about his insurance company, etc in the usual pre-op visit. He told them his comapny and then they gave him a multiple page release. Within that release, it mentioned that they did not accept his insurance. This may pass the legal requirements, but if they verbally ask about his insurance, I would expect a verbal reply as to if they take that or not.
Now, he has received the bill and, of course, the insurance company will not pay because it is out of their network. When he talked to the insurance administrator, the administrator mentioned that the surgeon also billed at double the acceptable rate outlined by the insurance industry.
Finally, my parents talked to the surgeon's office to see if they would accept partial payment. They have refused saying this wouldn't be fair to the other patients. This will go to a collection agency at the end of the month.
Is there any recourse my parents can take? They are both retired and this is a very big, unexpected expense. I appreciate any advise you guys might have.
Thanks,
Robert
Recently, my father had to have surgery to remove some cancerous spots on his skin. Before the surgery, he was asked about his insurance company, etc in the usual pre-op visit. He told them his comapny and then they gave him a multiple page release. Within that release, it mentioned that they did not accept his insurance. This may pass the legal requirements, but if they verbally ask about his insurance, I would expect a verbal reply as to if they take that or not.
Now, he has received the bill and, of course, the insurance company will not pay because it is out of their network. When he talked to the insurance administrator, the administrator mentioned that the surgeon also billed at double the acceptable rate outlined by the insurance industry.
Finally, my parents talked to the surgeon's office to see if they would accept partial payment. They have refused saying this wouldn't be fair to the other patients. This will go to a collection agency at the end of the month.
Is there any recourse my parents can take? They are both retired and this is a very big, unexpected expense. I appreciate any advise you guys might have.
Thanks,
Robert