Huge Bill from South Nassau

Hey ladies!!

My friends that have the same insurance company as my DH and me warned me about this but i guess i wasn't vigilant or aware enough while i was laying getting a c-section....

Did anyone have a doctor work on you or your baby during delivery that wasn't covered under your insurance plan? Supposedly, my ds was checked out by a doctor while i was being stitched up that was not on my plan and now i am responsible for paying his bill ($600).

I don't even know where to begin to fight this. I feel like i was taken advantage of.

If this happens often and I am just not aware, please let me know. I feel clueless right now.

Re: Huge Bill from South Nassau

We had this happen with the ped who examined my DD in the hospital. It turns out that NO ONE on call for the hospital( since my ped doesn't have privilages there) carries my insurance. I forwarded the bill to our insurance and they took care of it, I think. I haven't see a bill from them in a long time so I guess they paid it.

We have Cigna- they are really wonderful.

Re: Huge Bill from South Nassau

You have to contact your insurance company and explain to them that you were not given the option of having your DS see a doctor in your plan or network.

Re: Huge Bill from South Nassau

Yes!! I paid so much money to the hospital. My insurance has a 10% co-insurance that I wasn't aware of (didn't read the fine print). I got hit bad. The only thing that I really fought about was the anastegiologist (sp?). None of them seem to take insurance and they wanted $1800 for the surgery. I had an emergency c-section and I was able to fight it and only pay about $180.

Here is what I did and was told to do:

First, call the hospital and make sure they are a participant of your insurance.

If they are, you can fight the insurance company about this. If they're not, you may have a problem.

Second, call the insurance company and talk to a rep. They will surprisingly help you or direct you to someone who can.

The billing department at the hospital was pretty helpful too.


Good Luck!! I know this is something you really don't want to deal with on such a happy occassion.

Re: Huge Bill from South Nassau

We were told by our lamaze instructor to make sure you check that your ped works out of the hospital...which we did. When I was in the hospital they asked me who the ped was so they can contact the right doc.

Re: Huge Bill from South Nassau

Re: Huge Bill from South Nassau

I delivered at South Nassau as well and fortunately haven't had any problems yet with them regarding delivery. But DH and I both were seen by the same dr. at 2 different times inthe ER at South Nassau and our insurance companies paid him and this guy is still looking for money. Our insurance companies told us not to pay him. Something with that hospital. I hate it b/c of their retarded billing dept. Make sure you look into it further and contact your insurance company.

Re: Huge Bill from South Nassau

This happened to my sister for a neonatologist at Huntington years ago and her bill was wel over 6000$ like she had a choice there is obly 1 at the hospital. I dont get how that is FAIR? She is still apying for it and my niece is going to be 5 this year. PAy 10$ a week thats all they cant do anything to you as long as you are paying something.

Re: Huge Bill from South Nassau

You will most likely have to appeal the claim in writing. Call the insurance company and ask for the address to send the appeal to and in it write that you were being stitched up from a C-Section and unfortunately did not have a choice of the on-staff dr. that was seeing your newborn. Then put a "cc" at the bottom and copy the New York State Dept of Insurance. Chances are, the claim will get paid.

Re: Huge Bill from South Nassau

We wrote a letter of appeal and we are waiting to see what happens!! Basically, both the hospital and my insurance company told me that i am going to have to pay this no matter what! So Unfair!!

Re: Huge Bill from South Nassau

Re: Huge Bill from South Nassau

It's been my understanding that as long as the hospital itself takes your insurance, then your insurance company is responsible for the bill.