Can the Dr. charge for 2 visits if I only went once?

Question:

I had an appt for a Well Woman exam so that i could get birth control rx renewed. Since I was a new patient, I had to fill out a questionaire. In it I stated that I was a smoker. We spent 45 mins discussing cessation programs before even starting my annual exam. 2 mos later, I get a bill from Dr's office because they charged 2 visits and my insurance only covers one annual preventative exam. I was there for ONE visit, but the Dr. says because we talked about smoking cessation, it was two visits. Is this allowed? I didn't go there to quit, I went for birth control pills! The only reason we talked about smoking was because THE DOCTOR initiated the conversation. Had she told me I would be charged 2 visits, I would have kindly declined counseling on how to quit smoking. The billing department refuses to change the code and the dr's office has been unresponsive--they have not even returned any of my phone calls.

Answers:
Uhh NO not right.call your insurance company they can write it off...who cares if you talked about the stars in the sky, it gives them no right to double charge you!

I dont think that is allowed. That is a really crappy doctor to charge for two visits. You were there for a well womens check up that can cover anything. I would def. detest that charge. That is absolutely ridiculous!

sounds crazy to me! Doctors shouldn't be able to charge you for counseling you.Did you try talking to an office manager, or the doctor. Also see what your insurance company has to say, explain the situation to them. Don't give up, you shouldn't have to pay for something you didnt ask for.

file a complaint with the better business bureau, they usually solve things pretty quickly once they get the letter :]

Can the Dr. charge for 2 visits if I only went once?

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