It is a hassle
Interesting. We are not on Medicare yet. Our doctors in Ohio - Columbus, which has excellent medical facilities (we have 2 different primary physicians) draw the blood at their office as part of the regular annual physical (no extra charge for drawing blood) and send it out to a lab. Normal physical stuff labs are covered at 100% under the ACA as is the physical. Charged toward our deductible if there is any unusual lab work ordered. Have to review the lab bill carefully as sometimes the insurance co. doesn't pay what they are supposed to and we have to bring that to their attention - shouldn't have to do that. We get a phone call if normal results and no other follow-up visit or charge.
Even if slightly abnormal result (e.g., blood sugar trending up but not danger zone yet, or Vitamin D levels low), we get a phone call with discussion and Rx done over the phone. No extra visit to discuss results and no 2nd charge. Vit D levels monitored in 6 mos. When one of us first had a blood sugar reading trending up, we were referred to a dietician for counseling and advised how to home monitor.
I had one physical in Florida a couple of years ago - 2 visits, 2 charges, plus charges at lab. And - doctor wanted to see me again in 6 mos. With no issues. Was billed twice for the first visit - as a new patient with a diagnosis of Rosacea (which I see a dermatologist for already) and for the routine physical - over $600! Fought the charge and finally got the co-pay dropped. Wasn't easy. Wasn't happy and would have changed anyway, but this year they no longer take our insurance.
Was going to try The Villages Health, which took our insurance last year, but they don't this year. Still looking for a reputable doctor who takes our insurance and is likely to take whatever we have when we get to Medicare in 18 months, and also have to hope the doctor takes our non-Medicare insurance in 2015.
Meanwhile, going to schedule my physical in Ohio this summer and bring copies back with me, and make an appt. this fall to just meet and greet and hand over my records.
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