Fees at OB's office, is this normal?
LuckyMissus
member
So, I'm a little annoyed with my ob practice.
The other day, I was afraid that something was up with baby because he was not being very active, and he "failed" a kick count. So, I figured I'd call the on-call number like they said to do. Much to my surprise, the message says that non-emergency call-backs are subject to a $35 fee. Even during normal business hours. I take it this is just a fee for calling you back.
Today, I called them about completing my FMLA paperwork. They told me it will be another $35 fee to complete the paperwork. (The lady asked me if that was ok when she told me about the fee. And, I was like, "do I have a choice?" Zing.)
They also have a $50 no-show fee if you just don't show up for an appointment. This fee I totally get, and it applies to all their patients, not just us pregnants.
Neither of these fees are disclosed in the OB Patient Services Agreement I signed. That document lists their fees for pre-natal care and a vaginal, c-section, or VBAC delivery. Shouldn't calling me back and completing some paperwork be included in that?
Does your OB charge you random fees for things like these?
"A new baby is like the beginning of all things--wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities."
Re: Fees at OB's office, is this normal?
My office charges $5 per form filled out so I had to pay $10 total for FMLA and short term disability. I didn't really think it was weird, just sucks cause we're paying so much already.
I had to pay for my FMLA paper work as well. I thought it was really odd, but I guess it?s somewhat normal. The $35 emergency call back seems really ridiculous! I would think that would prevent some people from calling. That?s a new one for me.
I had to pay $25 for my FMLA paperwork. I don't know if they charge for the on-call doctor to call me back. I usually just leave a message for my dr.'s nurse and she returns my phone call.
Random fees suck.
I asked, and the fee is the same if you give it to them at an appointment. I get the impression this lady I talked to actaully fills it out and just gets a dr to sign it...
"A new baby is like the beginning of all things--wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities."
While those aren't normal fees at my practice, there is a sign at my Pedi's office that is $5 or $10 (can't remember) for forms to be filled out (I assume things for school, etc.) So I think extra paper work charges are custom, but $35 seems high.
I would definitely think it should be included in the document that you got listing out all the fees (mine doesn't even do that but maybe it's because my insurance covers 100% after one $20 copay, so I'm not sure).