Doctor fees upfront?

reneeandbill · March 2013

I got a letter from my OB that says we have to pay our portion of the delivery fee upfront and before week 16 or they will drop us as patients. They called my insurance company and figured out that we will be responsible for $2600 because of my high deductable ($2500). That is what they want just for them and doesn't include hospital fees. Anybody else go to an office with a similar policy? It seems pretty crappy to expect someone to come up with that kind of money in less than 2 months.

FreddyRN25 · March 2013

That's crazy! What happens if you pay and then decide to use someone else? Maybe that's their way of keeping patients. I didn't even have a deductible with my delivery for our son. Just paid the 250 hospital portion.

Houseplant · March 2013

I was informed at my 8 week appointment that I have to do something like this. They calculated my out of pocket cost as $769 for the delivery and want it either all up front at my appointment at the end of this month, or I can make monthly payments until the baby is born. I have to go with the monthly payments to give my HSA time to build up. Maybe they would let you do monthly payments if you ask. There have to be a lot of women who have a hard time coming up with that kind of money on such short notice. Good luck!

Houseplant · March 2013

Forgot to add: They said it would be reimbursed if I went somewhere else or if (Heaven forbid) something happens to baby. I would ask the same thing if I were you, or go somewhere else if you have options and aren't comfortable.

Gatorsgirl731 · March 2013

We are paying for everything out of pocket. Both the dr's office and the hospital do a payment plan that is pretty reasonable. You should ask, they may have something that can help.

Bunkster2008 · March 2013

My OB does the same thing. Our deductible is 2500 and they figure I will owe them 2600 and change by delivery. I do have until 28 weeks to pay it though. My problem is what if something else happens before the baby is born, like I get sick or need to go to the hospital, then those things would count towards my deductible and I will end up owing less to the OB's office. Or what is the hospital bills for delivery before the drs office does...then it will be all messed up.

I did some research and it looks like this isn't an uncommon thing. I am going to pay it for now, but have them recheck what is left of my deductible before I make the final payment.

kirbabe · March 2013

Yikes! That's harsh!! I thought it was strange when I set up my 1st appt that they had changed the way they do their billing and now charge a $300 deposit, due at the 1st appt. I was annoyed at that! Can't imagine 8x that amount.

kimbo1216 · March 2013

All by week 16? That's crazy! At my old OB, we just had to start paying monthly over the course of the pregnancy (6-7 months total from the time you see them to end term), so our payment was spread over 6 months.

RunningGal900 · March 2013

My OB tells you this at your first visit and then expect payment by week 28. I'm not sure how exactly it will work since we are on a high deductible plan and usually we are billed after the fact, but I will call the billing department and figure it out!

andthatmakes4 · March 2013

My OB requires this. With DD though, they filed their claim way after the hospital so that I ended up having to get the OB to refund me all the money because they were paid fully by insurance. DD was 6 months old before I saw that money.

Hoffmania · March 2013

We have to pay 10% of the total cost of the doctor up front or on a monthly payment plan. That was about $450 last year. I think its over $500 this year. You should definitely ask about a payment plan. I just don't see many people being prepared for that kind of bill up front.