Should I pay my eye care provider an amount requested,upfront before medicare has approved what I am to pay?

Question:

I am a senior citizen. I have constant pain in my eye and see my physcian regularly.I was recently referred to another physcian who charges me an amount per visit upfront. I have never encountered this pay type payment before.All my physcians bill me and I await the Medicare statement to see what Medicare pays,the amount the treatment/visit should cost and what billing I am to recieve from the physcian. This physican charges me an amount per visit.Within the past 2 weeks,he has charged me 2 different amounts for 2 visits.I have not recieved my medicare statement for the 1st visit as yet, so I have no idea of the amount approved by medicare for the type care I recieved.I do not have additional medical insurance, I exsist on an income level below the poverty level.I am asking this question as care giver to my Mother.

Answers:
If the doctor does not accept assignment, he can legally charge up to 15% more than the amount that Medicare will allow. He can also charge you the 20% that Medicare requires you to pay. These two amounts may be the extra charge. Many specialists will require those amounts up front.

You will want to explore if Medicaid will help you. You can also get on a Medicare Advantage plan to help you pay the deductible and the 20% that Medicare doesn't pay. There are many plans available starting at $0 premium per month and going up to $160 per month. Many of these plans also have the Part D prescription drug coverage included. Visit a local independent agent that deals with senior policies to see what is available in your area.

This can be very hard for so many people.

However, a lot of Doctor's Offices have a Sign posted that says if you have a co-pay, it must be paid at the time of the visit.

If you were charged 2 different amounts, perhaps he did extra at one of the visits.

You can always call that office and ask to see just how they work with their billling.

I know when I see my eye specialist, many people are charged a certain amount before they leave the office.
Some get re-imbursed by their Ins Co. and it all depends on what the Visit was for, and how much a person has to pay out of pocket.

Many Doctors accept the amount that Medicare sends and their is no extra charge at all - this is what you want to ask before seeing a new Dr = always.
( ask if they accept "assignment" )
If they don't accept, then try a different Dr.

Eye Specialists and Eye Doctors are not always covered if it is a routine exam, however you said you had a problem, so he Should accept whatever Medicare sends him.

IF you are by any chance eligable for Medicaid then that will take care of the extras, as long as it is not a routine check up for vision.

If I were you, I would do some checking as soon as possible.

My bet is that there is a Sign saying - all co-pays due at end of visit.

I prectically live at my eye specialist's office, and am so Thankful that he accepts what medicare sends him.

Best wishes with this.

Should I pay my eye care provider an amount requested,upfront before medicare has approved what I am to pay?

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