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$500 "deposit" at OB?

lululu83lululu83
in Cincinnati Babies

I got a surprising letter from my OB's office stating that I need to bring a $500 check to my next (second) prenatal appointment -- "a one-time deposit for medical services" for patients with insurance. I've never heard of this before. For my previous pregnancy (in another city, two years ago), I paid one co-pay at my first prenatal visit and then nothing until delivery. What is this about? What does it cover? Is it worth shopping around for an OB who doesn't have this fee, or is it a common practice?

 Obviously I will call my OB's office and ask for more information, but I thought I'd also see if others have experience with this kind of thing. Thanks!

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Re: $500 "deposit" at OB?

  • loganlacloganlac member
    I live in Dayton and I had to do this also.  That deposit was factored into the delivery and then after delivery I was given another amount after insurance.
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  • CincyWXCincyWX member

    I was in Dayton at the start of my pregnancy and switched when we moved to cincy at around 20 weeks.  Both offices had me pay my $20 co-pay the first two or so visits til they contacted my insurance and figured out how much the birth was going to cost me out of pocket, then sent a bill for that amount.  One was going to be $600-ish (i left, obviously, so i didn't have to pay) the other was $400-ish...with additional bills after for hospital, anesthesia, and the additional c section costs.  They do their calculations based on a regular vaginal birth.  

     My guess is that they probably get stiffed a lot on bills and people have their babies and don't pay up... so this is their safeguard. 

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  • Mrs.Cooley2beeMrs.Cooley2bee member

    My OB does this.  My insurance covers 100% except for the 250.00 copay for the inpatient hospital stay (which goes to the hospital...not my OB).  I called the financial lady at the doctor's office and gave her the info about my insurance coverage and she waived the fee.  If you will end up paying 500.00 to your OB in the long run I would just go ahead and pay it.  Good Luck!

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  • lululu83lululu83
    This is all very helpful. Thank you!
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  • kikis firstkikis first member
    I have not had to do this with either of my pregnancies. I have had the same OB both times and my insurance covered 100% other than the inpatient hospital copay of $250, which the financial department collected in my room before I was discharged. This time it is supposed to be covered 100% all the way around, we will see.

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  • ungraceful13ungraceful13 member
    I had to do that.
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  • Dani3679Dani3679
    I had to pay the $500 at my OB, but then a couple weeks after delivery they sent me a refund check back for the full amount.  I guess once they figure out what insurance covered and everything.
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  • Jessica&BrettJessica&Brett
    My OB also required it, but since my insurance covers 100%, I just let them know and they didn't require me to pay it.
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  • Ab42187Ab42187 member
    I live in Dayton and had to do something similar. Instead of a deposit my doctors office gave me a monthly plan to pay so my costs after delivery would not be crazy. Can you see if they can do something like that instead of the $500 deposit?
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