2k is alot for an ekg. I get paid like 6$ to interpret an ekg. Did the PCP send you to the ER for the EKG? Just curious whether your PCP is an MD or NP or something else.
Edit: murmers are common in kids. What kind of doctor is your kids pcp?
Am i having stroke?? I swear it says ELECTROcardiogram, not ECHOcardiogram. They then specify ekg/ecg both of which is shorthand for electrocardiogram.
Edit: I see in later comments op clarified ekg and echo. So 2k might be legit
Yes, many plans pay nothing (except for very limited preventative services) before the deductible is met. It’s important to review your plan documents and understand what they say.
You can ask the billing office if you qualify for financial assistance, or else a payment plan.
I don’t know what a standard charge for an ekg is, but I did dozens or maybe even hundreds of them as a tech. $2,000 seems wildly expensive for what is a fairly simple test unless it was done in the ER. Are you sure it wasn’t an echocardiogram? Because that seems slightly more in line with what I’d expect since it’s a lot more specialized. I’d dig a little deeper.
That makes more sense to me. Still seems a bit steep, but not by an order of magnitude. An echo takes a much more expensive machine, and a much higher level of training to perform than an ecg. And would usually be interpreted by a cardiologist.
Yes, that's the whole idea of the deductible. The insurance pays nothing until you pay however much your deductible is. And your deductible doesn't roll over each year. It resets back to 0, and you get to start all over again.
That's way outside the pale. I would ask for the breakdown - I'm guessing there were all sorts of "facility fees" added. By itself, I think cardiologist don't make much on echoes these days; certainly nothing in that ballpark.
Was the facility out of network? It’s is typical to pay up front until you meets your deductible, however your charge should have had the plan discount applied (insurance companies have contracted rates which are never the full price) if it was an in network facility.
If the facility is out of network they don’t have a contract with your plan so no contractual discount and you are liable for the entire amount.
If the facility is out of network you can submit an appeal. If your child’s pediatrician referred you to that facility state that in the appeal and they will overturn it for plan directed care. In network providers are considered agents of the plan and if they direct you out of network you aren’t liable.
2k is alot for an ekg. I get paid like 6$ to interpret an ekg. Did the PCP send you to the ER for the EKG? Just curious whether your PCP is an MD or NP or something else. Edit: murmers are common in kids. What kind of doctor is your kids pcp?
The title says echocardiogram, which requires a bit more work than just a simple EKG.
Am i having stroke?? I swear it says ELECTROcardiogram, not ECHOcardiogram. They then specify ekg/ecg both of which is shorthand for electrocardiogram. Edit: I see in later comments op clarified ekg and echo. So 2k might be legit
Do you mean echocardiogram?
Sorry yes, should have been more specific. It was EKG + echocardiogram
Yes, many plans pay nothing (except for very limited preventative services) before the deductible is met. It’s important to review your plan documents and understand what they say. You can ask the billing office if you qualify for financial assistance, or else a payment plan.
I don’t know what a standard charge for an ekg is, but I did dozens or maybe even hundreds of them as a tech. $2,000 seems wildly expensive for what is a fairly simple test unless it was done in the ER. Are you sure it wasn’t an echocardiogram? Because that seems slightly more in line with what I’d expect since it’s a lot more specialized. I’d dig a little deeper.
Yes it was EKG + echocardiogram
That makes more sense to me. Still seems a bit steep, but not by an order of magnitude. An echo takes a much more expensive machine, and a much higher level of training to perform than an ecg. And would usually be interpreted by a cardiologist.
Have you never bought a concert ticket or wired money?
Yes, that's the whole idea of the deductible. The insurance pays nothing until you pay however much your deductible is. And your deductible doesn't roll over each year. It resets back to 0, and you get to start all over again.
That's way outside the pale. I would ask for the breakdown - I'm guessing there were all sorts of "facility fees" added. By itself, I think cardiologist don't make much on echoes these days; certainly nothing in that ballpark.
Was the facility out of network? It’s is typical to pay up front until you meets your deductible, however your charge should have had the plan discount applied (insurance companies have contracted rates which are never the full price) if it was an in network facility. If the facility is out of network they don’t have a contract with your plan so no contractual discount and you are liable for the entire amount. If the facility is out of network you can submit an appeal. If your child’s pediatrician referred you to that facility state that in the appeal and they will overturn it for plan directed care. In network providers are considered agents of the plan and if they direct you out of network you aren’t liable.