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Originally Posted by PandG
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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They do it in what I think of as a medical mecca, back home in Cincinnati.
I think it is common practice. Our doc orders labs at your check up and then wants to see you after you have them, if things change and changes need to be made to your meds. In some cases, it is taking a lesser dose. Or if bloodwork shows something, an increase in meds. At our age, this happens often.