my hospital bill - Foot Problems Message Board

sweetficus · 02-19-2004, 02:19 PM

just got my charges from insurance company for my bunionectomy

for the hospital including OR and anesthesia charge was $6500 (and insurance paid $2500)

the podiatrist who did the surgery charged $1900 (and insurance paid $750 - that's still pretty good rate for an hour's work)

Why is there such a difference between the 2? I hope I won't be getting a bill for the remainder!

carolcrone · 02-20-2004, 01:38 PM

Well, I know I'd just about have a fit if I'd gotten a bill for that much. Here's hoping you're in some kind of managed care group where there's a network negotiated charge for these items & the hospital/doctor has agreed by contract to accept that negotiated payment from that particular managed care provider. I think all my bills are in now (it's been 2 months), and my share (since my insurance covers at 90%): surgeon:$150, anesthesia: $55, outpatient surgery center: $118. Of course, they billed the insurance company much more, but they had to accept 90% of the negotiated charge, and I paid 10%. I'm beginning to consider myself lucky.

sweetficus · 02-20-2004, 05:14 PM

well since it's been almost 7 weeks since my operation and I haven't received any bills yet, I'm thinking it's been covered 100% and I won't be expected to pay anything. I'm getting custom orthotics made next week and they are also covered by insurance (otherwise would be $500)
It just seems silly to charge such an outrageous amount and then accept only a fraction of it (it's like a designer outlet - Versace and bunions marked down!)

carolcrone · 02-23-2004, 01:25 PM

I think it's to make us so grateful to the almighty insurance companies that we won't complain too much when rates go up & coverage goes down each year.

angelf2003 · 02-25-2004, 12:46 PM

Thank god I had good insurance! I paid not a penny for my bunion surgery. My Dr. said the average cost of a bunionectomy is 5-6000dollars.