MJWonderWoman
Maybe I should charge for my time!
I called One Medical to ask about a Well Visit with a provider to try to get a ballpark price since I was self pay. My previous PCP (haven't seen for 3 years) told me that a Well Visit out of pocket would be around $95 without any testing or additional procedures. I also called an urgent care near me who said first visit, just as a well visit without any testing and procedures is $150. Since I moved really far from my previous PCP and seeing that the price would be within a ball park at One medical (and I was a member, so I figured to take advantage) since was told over the phone it would be between $125 and $175 unless further testing or other procedures necessary, I decided to try it. I had a nice conversation with the provider and while speaking with her I mentioned some past Medical issues that I learned to deal with ayurvedically. In fact, she was unaware of some research done and displayed on the NIH as well as the CDC websites showing some of the medical information she knows have been outdated and updated. A couple of days later, I received a bill that was $470, plus small amount for tax etc. with $180 discount making my total $282. While speaking with another rep over the phone ref my bill, I was told that I was charged for every information given to the provider while having a conversation with her, a friendly conversation to establish rapport. For instance, I mentioned to her my new diet that is helping me greatly with my thyroid, which is undiagnosed, thyroid autoimmune issue i based on blood testing i did a la cart in December. I was told by the representative that the provider put that information in my file and charged me for autoimmune advice. Which she gave me none. I was the one who mentioned to her, I told her I had taken a test which showed that, but she never saw the test and my issue is still undiagnosed. So either she gave advice based on undiagnosed information that is unproven because she never saw my test, which would be unethical, or I was just having a friendly conversation mentioning it to her in reference to my diet and she used that to blow up the bill. Mind you, the provider I saw wasn't even a doctor, but a nurse practitioner and the reason I made an appointment with a nurse practitioner was because I figured it would be cheaper than a doctor. Joke's on me. The billing rep also added that the lower estimate for the visit only applies to ages less than 40 years old. I was charged at 40 to 60 prices. Ageism much? I have seen multiple ppl.im their 20s and 30s who have way more medical issues than I do. Their prices are based on age. Oh, and things you say in conversation while building rapport. Don't mention the kids or grandkids for that matter, you might be charged visits for them too! What I most hate is them providing you with the service and billing you later blindly and now you are held hostage because you can't take back the visit. There are no explanation or advising you (especially knowing you're self pay) that adding information is adding cost. She was just sitting there cha-ching, cha-ching as I was speaking. That behavior is totally unethical and lacks any transparency. It is shameful. I am canceling my membership and my husband's membership and will never visit any of their providers again.


