Wow - urologist cost w/o infertility insurance!

KRoseToes · March 2011

Wow. Our RE wanted us to make an appointment for DH last spring to see a specialist at UW for our reproductive issues. Our insurance won't cover it, so I haven't even bothered calling to find out how much it would cost. I finallly called today to find out the cost because I feel we're getting closer to being financially able to handle this stuff. It was estimated to be at $400-600, just for the initial consultation! That doesn't include tests, follow-ups, etc. I am pretty shocked - I knew it would be pricey, but I didn't expect that much! Not sure if we'll make an appointment yet. I think we need to do another SA to see if there have been any changes - it has been a year since the last one. Maybe it has improved because we're much farther out from his cancer/radiation treatment? Just thought I would share since I can't yet pick my jaw up off the floor.

MrsH_08 · March 2011

Wow, that is an expensive consultation!! I wouldn't have guessed that, either. I wonder if they can work any magic and not bill it as infertility-related (at least not until they get to the tests).

I would think they may rec your DH have another SA done. Like you said, the results may be improved, too. When we were preparing for IVF, any IF testing that hadn't been done within one year or less before IVF, would have had to be repeated. (HSG, SHG, SA, AR)

Seattle_JiLLn · March 2011

I would bet they can find a way to bill it so that it's not fertility related. Maybe his oncologist could refer him or something?

I'm surprised it's that high. I've never had a regular doctor visit of any kind that was that high just for a consult - at least not that I've seen... Usually doctor visits are more like $200-ish I think.

You could also ask them if there's a price that you'd get charged that's different if you don't have insurance that covers it. Often there are different prices once the insurance denies it.

tst1998 · March 2011

If they bill the insurance, and the insurance doesn't pay, then you have to pay the higher cost (I just had to deal with all this at the UW). It might be worth clarifying if that is the cash patient cost, or if that is what they bill insurance. I know the RE's there give a discount if you are paying out of pocket, and a consultation with them was only $250. The RE I'm seeing specializes in male infertility.... maybe that would be a way around the high cost of the urologist?

ETA: just found my price list, initial consult is actually $342, SA is $159. Follow up visits are $250.

KRoseToes · March 2011

That's a good idea T. I know you've mentioned your RE before, but I always had this urologist on my radar. I think that is a great option to consider now. I'm pretty sure that GroupHealth would not pay for anything. My RE wrote a letter to them asking for them to refer DH to this doctor. He even slightly exaggerated the issues so it didn't look just like infertility. The idea was if GroupHealth would refer us, the costs would be less; they did not go for it. I made it clear that infertility was not covered by our insurance when I talked to the receptionist today. I just find it strange that she couldn't give an exact amount - she said it varies. So now I'm thinking the cost may include some tests with the consultation. I just want to meet with the darn doctor and then talk about specific tests and costs one by one.