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re: Why is medicine the only retail service that can't figure out billing?
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:04 pm to Golfer
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:04 pm to Golfer
Let's try this another way. When your toilet overflows at your house and shorts out an electrical circuit and damages your floor, do you get one bill? All events are occurring in one place, but you have 3 different specialties dealing with the event. Surgery is the same way. You have the referring physician (medicine guy), surgeon, anesthesiologist, and probably radiologist. All of these people come to work at the same place, but that doesn't mean they work for the same entity. A physical place and a solitary event does not mean it should be one bill.
I agree medical billing sucks, but the answer to your solution would be either a) pre-surgical estimates with qualifiers for increased amounts secondary to complications. or b) more timely billing.
The problem is that insurance companies have no desire to reach claims with hospitals/physicians faster. The longer they hold out, the more likely the healthcare agency is willing to negotiate, and the longer they get to keep their money.
I agree medical billing sucks, but the answer to your solution would be either a) pre-surgical estimates with qualifiers for increased amounts secondary to complications. or b) more timely billing.
The problem is that insurance companies have no desire to reach claims with hospitals/physicians faster. The longer they hold out, the more likely the healthcare agency is willing to negotiate, and the longer they get to keep their money.
1
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:06 pm to LSUFanHouston
I know this is a well perceived notion, but this is often not the case. Most doctors get reimbursed via RVUs (what they can bill for). Why would they lose patients, delay care, and decrease their potential earnings to talk with reps?
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:06 pm to PurpleYoda
quote:
concierge doctor
Is there a website or something for locating these?
as far as I know there isn't one in my city
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:06 pm to GeauxTigers777
quote:
When your toilet overflows at your house and shorts out an electrical circuit and damages your floor, do you get one bill? All events are occurring in one place, but you have 3 different specialties dealing with the event.
If I called a comprehensive repair company like Home360. Yes, I'd expect one bill at one time.
quote:
A physical place and a solitary event does not mean it should be one bill.
In literally every other retail sector, it most certainly does.
This post was edited on 9/3/15 at 3:08 pm
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:08 pm to Golfer
Well if you go to a comprehensive hospital you also get one bill.
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:08 pm to Golfer
I just named an event at your house at one time, and that one for 90% of the companies existing does not.
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:09 pm to GeauxTigers777
quote:
Well if you go to a comprehensive hospital you also get one bill.
Here's a brilliant idea, make it comprehensive for the consumer even if it isn't comprehensive for the facility.
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:10 pm to Golfer
When you go to a football game, do you get one bill for the food, parking, tickets, program guide? No. One event. One time.
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:11 pm to Golfer
But what is the incentive for the hospital to do that. It would cost them more money (that they would pass on to you). Why do they want to bill for someone they don't employ?
Does your electrician bill for your plummer?
And remember... You still have a choice in medical care (especially for non-emergent issues). If this bothers you so much, go somewhere that provides a comprehensive service.
Does your electrician bill for your plummer?
And remember... You still have a choice in medical care (especially for non-emergent issues). If this bothers you so much, go somewhere that provides a comprehensive service.
This post was edited on 9/3/15 at 3:14 pm
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:12 pm to GeauxTigers777
quote:
But what is the incentive for the hospital to do that
Oh, I don't know? To put the consumer first.
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:14 pm to Golfer
Home360s lone Yelp Review.
Sounds like a good model to follow.
quote:
I am a former repeat customer. Recently hired for repair., however, repair was not completed due to unforeseen damage therefore the job was not completed. In addition, debris and trash was left both inside and outside of my home. I was given an amount due three days after the contractor came out that was almost the same price of the completed job price. I was only given an amount verbally without an invoice of itemized list of the cost. The main office was very rude an unprofessional. The office manager acted as if my request for an invoice and explanation of the charges was an inconvenience to them and unusual . They demanded payment without any documentation. I was told that the amount told to me was the amount due and that I had to pay it. I was given no explanation of charges. How can a business expect payment for an amount that was not agreed upon and without any paperwork only a verbal demand. After visiting the office and several phone calls, I was begrudenly told that I would receive and invoice in the mail however, the amount told to me was still due. I have filed a complaint with the BBB and will update with results.
Sounds like a good model to follow.
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:15 pm to Golfer
I understand you are frustrated, but you are also illogical at this point.
Would you pay more to have all of this for one bill?
Would you pay more to have all of this for one bill?
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:19 pm to GeauxTigers777
quote:
Would you pay more to have all of this for one bill?
It doesn't have to cost more. That's what I'm trying to say.
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:47 pm to Golfer
So it will take extra staff to compile these group charges. These are all billed independently, so they not easily grouped into a single bill. Hence why it would take extra charge.
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:54 pm to Golfer
quote:
Would you pay more to have all of this for one bill?
It doesn't have to cost more. That's what I'm trying to say.
That may be what you're saying, but it's not accurate. Yes, it cost money to coordinate a bundled bill among several entities; in time, in software, and in collection efforts.
Why would I ever take the risk of making sure you pay 100% of your bill, of which only 20% is actually my revenue? Because the other entities are sure as hell going to bill me, whether you pay your bill or not.
If you want me to do all that extra work, you need to pay me for it, which leads back to the concierge practices. What you are wanting is offered.
This post was edited on 9/3/15 at 4:00 pm
Posted on 9/3/15 at 3:57 pm to GeauxTigers777
quote:
Most doctors get reimbursed via RVUs (what they can bill for). Why would they lose patients, delay care, and decrease their potential earnings to talk with reps?
Because they don't actually lose patients. The person sits in the waiting room an extra 45 min, but they aren't going to leave, especially if it took them a few weeks to get an appt in the first place.
Posted on 9/3/15 at 4:00 pm to LSUFanHouston
So why not see patients on time and leave on time? Why stay late?
To answer my question, it's because most delays are not elective.
On the other hand, if that 5 minute talk with a drug rep gets you free samples or a pharmacy card, are you complaining?
To answer my question, it's because most delays are not elective.
On the other hand, if that 5 minute talk with a drug rep gets you free samples or a pharmacy card, are you complaining?
This post was edited on 9/3/15 at 4:01 pm
Posted on 9/3/15 at 4:13 pm to MSMHater
quote:
Why would I ever take the risk of making sure you pay 100% of your bill, of which only 20% is actually my revenue? Because the other entities are sure as hell going to bill me, whether you pay your bill or not.
Fair enough. Seems like those, like myself, that pay their bills and make every attempt to follow a budget and track expenses are the ones penalized.
This week alone, I've gotten two bills: one for a service performed in February that I was told had been paid in full and another for a service that is 100% covered by insurance. I've got plenty more stories, but I hope you can understand as a consumer I'm not pleased.
Posted on 9/3/15 at 4:18 pm to GeauxTigers777
quote:
I understand you are frustrated, but you are also illogical at this point.
Would you pay more to have all of this for one bill?
No, you are defending the status quo, while he (and others) are offering logical solutions.
You are actually supporting the position that consolidation and a single bill would cost more completely, ignoring the ridiculous amounts of administrative redundancy from one provider to the next that could be eliminated. The Hospital becomes the general contractor.
Posted on 9/3/15 at 4:21 pm to CajunAlum Tiger Fan
But you are looking at Healthcare as a service. I am looking at it as a business. What would entice the hospital to want to act as the general contractor?
It would be minimal staff decrease from the clinic side, because I am still going to have to bill for things not related to the hospital. Therefore that infrastructure would still be in place.
What you are eluding to are health care systems, and that is extremely prevalent. I happen to work for one, so I am just playing devil's advocate in this entire discussion. I agree that Healthcare systems are easier, but I also know that Healthcare is not a sole entity that does not allow you to go where you receive the best service. If you don't appreciate aspects of the care you receive, go somewhere that fits your needs. Simple.
It would be minimal staff decrease from the clinic side, because I am still going to have to bill for things not related to the hospital. Therefore that infrastructure would still be in place.
What you are eluding to are health care systems, and that is extremely prevalent. I happen to work for one, so I am just playing devil's advocate in this entire discussion. I agree that Healthcare systems are easier, but I also know that Healthcare is not a sole entity that does not allow you to go where you receive the best service. If you don't appreciate aspects of the care you receive, go somewhere that fits your needs. Simple.
This post was edited on 9/3/15 at 4:26 pm
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