New policy with The Villages Health
Is anyone aware that T.V. Health is quietly starting to roll out a new policy of charging for 2 separate office visits for lab work and the follow-up general visit with your primary doctor?
I just learned that today when I called to find out why I received a bill which I thought was paid. I verified with my insurance company (not on Medicare yet), and the gal said it should be considered one visit--as it was for me last year.
I spent time on the phone with my Villages Health Office, and learned that as patients book their lab appointments they will now receive a brochure stating there will likely be 2 separate office visit charges--one for the lab work and another for the doctor reviewing the results 2 weeks later. They do not plan to mail these brochures out to all of their patients!
From what I understand, they will do "more" at the lab visit, such as review med's, take blood pressure, etc. This is what they do when you see the doctor anyway! I told them I plan to get the blood work done (and pay the office visit), check the results on my online portal, and call the Dr. with any questions--instead of paying a co-pay for a visit to see the doctor.
Does this sound like a rip-off to anyone else? What would Marcus Welby think? :-)
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