[gomoho]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl

Made an appt for a physical last year, actually fall of 2010, to establish with a primary care doctor here. Dr. seemed ok, billing and staff have been a nightmare.

All I wanted was to have a doctor here. Was charged $200 for a new patient visit, AND $180 for a physical and $60 for an EKG (they said that was standard). Met the dr. for a few (very few) minutes, to go over my brief health history. Minor problems - e.g., I see a dermatologist in OH for a skin condition. Just disclosed it, was not asking for treatment. Doctor ordered routine bloodwork (fasting). I had asked if I should come in the morning for that the day of the appt. and told no, the dr. would order it if needed. Why wouldn't you need it for a routine physical?

Anyway, came back a few days later for the blood draw and was charged a co-pay as if for an office visit under my plan. I explained it was part of the routine physical, was told no, had to pay the co-pay as it required someone to draw my blood.

Then, I had to make another appt to get the results of the blood draw. And, even though they didn't make me pay the co-pay on the initial visit (because a routine physical is covered once a year), I was billed another co-pay later on (for the new patient visit).

I will not go back. Also had another charge that I can't remember - something not covered, most likely. So - 3 co-pays for what should have been a 0 co-pay.

Has anyone found a doctor they like who will charge only for a routine physical on the first visit?

Don't think they exist anymore - went to the new Villages Health Care System at Colony and my insurance company was billed $450 for a meet and greet I had with the doctor. Can't wait to see the charges for the physical and blood work. Have had the exact same scenario you are discussing with previous doctors. Seems like a lot of medicare and especially medicare advantage plans pay for everything - so the docs just keep having you come in so they can milk the system. No wonder we are in so much trouble.