Annoying appointment this morning, didn't need to be, either

Had a good appointment today, no pictures but got to hear the heartbeat and the chances for downs syndrome was very very low.

My obgyn's office called me a few weeks ago and told me we had to pay some sort of $600 "deposit" for labor and delivery at the hospital. I found this to be bizarre, so DH and I call the insurance company. We were told this is not uncommon, some hospitals do this, but because I maxed out the deductible on my back procedures from Jan. and Feb. that we pay nothing for hospital services; including labor and delivery. We asked if they were sure, and they said "Yes, you pay nothing for the year".

Today, I went this morning for an appointment. At the end, i get ready to write a check for my co pay and the woman told me I didn't have to, but I could leave a payment for my deposit. I explained to her what the insurance company said. She gets her manager, and I had it out with her.

She basically admitted that she didn't bother to call the insurance company to find out if we need to pay this. I tell DH, so we call the insurance company again and we said this payment they mentioned was different and that this doesn't count towards the deductible. The insurance company said "they can call it whatever they want, you pay zero". We said this lady has been calling and asking for payment. They requested the information of the doctors office, because regardless if I had to pay or not, the insurance company should have been informed.

Friggan stupid people need to learn to do there jobs. And also, not argue with a pregnant woman whose done her research. I mean don't these people think if we had a planned pregnancy that we at least called to find out what we'd have to pay?

Re: Annoying appointment this morning, didn't need to be, either

I had to pay my OB's office $600 early on in my pregnancy too. Last year, we had a $500 deductible, but that resets on December 1st. I was due January 7th so we had to pay the amount in full. But it actually covered all OB appointments (co-pays) for last year and the "anticipated" L&D charges for my OB's office (not the hospital's -- that's completely separate). We switched plans December 1st and had a $3k deductible so we didn't get back any of the $600, but needless to say we met our year's deductible pretty much immediately when DD was born (actually, my entire hospital stay was only $2800, but I had a meds-free birth).

I was told that if the $600 I paid upfront was repaid at all or in part by my insurance company, I would've received a refund for that portion.

I am very surprised they didn't tell you that. I know our office called to check in advance which is how they knew my deductible reset on 12/1. I'd definitely be wary if I were you. They should certainly be able to bill you. I don't believe that your insurance company will pay them upfront for anticipated services, though, which may be why they were demanding you pay them now. Poor business techniques if you ask me.

Re: Annoying appointment this morning, didn't need to be, either

exactly, i mean my problem is, the hospital has a rep (and it's happened to me already in the past) of taking forever to reimburse you. so I don't have to pay it, i wont.

doesn't matter anyway, when i get back from vacation i'm switching doctors and hospital.

the point is, they should have called the insurance before harassing me for payment.

Re: Annoying appointment this morning, didn't need to be, either

i called my ins co on them too (with DS1). I was told what they're doing is illegal. Just another reason I can't deal with that place!

Re: Annoying appointment this morning, didn't need to be, either

and YAY for baby doing well :)

Re: Annoying appointment this morning, didn't need to be, either

I was also told that when you are a ob patient, you don't pay copays. I've paid my doctor nothing, so I'm sure there will be a nice bill at the end.

Re: Annoying appointment this morning, didn't need to be, either