UCSF billing

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zanyzad

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zanyzad
Mar 16 23 Comments

I just had a test done at UCSF (non-ER) and was billed twice by the hospital. When I asked for the breakdown, they explained to me that one was the 'hospital's bill and then another is the 'physician's' bill.

And so you get billed twice for each billing code - like for 'visit', you'll get a bill for 'established patient visit' from hospital and then the physician will also bill you for 'established patient visit'.

UCSF Billing told me that's because most physicians aren't employees of the hospital these days and that's why you get billed twice. How insane is this?!! Has anybody else experienced this for any routine tests done at a hospital?

I've had X-ray's and blood tests done in the past, but I never got billed twice for X-ray or blood test from the lab. How do hospitals get away this? #insurance #medical

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  • Google
    moonboi1

    Go to company page Google

    moonboi1
    Welcome to health care in America, hope you never have to go to emergency where you can get a 200k bill for couple days stay.
    Mar 16 1
    • Upwork
      zanyzad

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      zanyzad
      OP
      I ran into that situation a couple months ago when I had shortness of breath and urgent cares all told me to keep going to emergency room because apparently no urgent care has the equipment to evaluate respiratory issues. And I had already done all the tests to rule out Covid.

      I have insurance and I decided to go home and die instead. Luckily still alive.
      Mar 17
  • Sunrun
    guccima

    Go to company page Sunrun

    guccima
    This is why I prefer Kaiser. Everything is in network.
    Mar 16 5
    • Upwork
      zanyzad

      Go to company page Upwork

      zanyzad
      OP
      I have PPO and it took me 4 months to get this appointment. And then any follow-up is 1 month later. I've realized by the time you get diagnosed with anything, you'll probably be dead.

      I remember getting treatment outside the US years ago and was able to get all tests and diagnosis within a month. One hospital bill. Same quality of care.
      Mar 17
    • @upwork change your healthcare provider / hospital. If you’re in the Bay Area - go to a PAMF location. I’ve never ever had to wait that long
      Mar 17
  • You weren’t billed twice. You received independent bills from each provider for their respective services.

    Turn it in to the insurance company and move on.
    Mar 16 2
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      zanyzad

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      zanyzad
      OP
      There was only one test and one provider. The provider did the test. Why should there be two bills when it's one service being performed. Insurance will cover both but still left with almost a $1000 bill because both bill ridiculous amounts.

      When I asked for itemized, there was a 'Established Patient Charge' from Hospital, then the Provider Bill also had a 'Established Patient Charge'. Like WTH?
      Mar 17
    • There are multiple bills, because you are working with multiple independent providers. If you want to pay less out of pocket, go with a lower deductible.
      Mar 17
  • Truist
    🥜bank

    Go to company page Truist

    🥜bank
    You would be surprised to learn how shitty our healthcare is. Its a very common practice and it fucks up people going into major surgeries who think they are going to a hospital which is in network, only to realize half the operating staff are out of network and your insurance doesnt cover them
    Mar 16 0
  • I work on billing statements at Kaiser. Always look at your statement details tab to make sure your billing details are accurate. If you did not receive a statement you can contest the charge if it has late charges since you never received the statement. Don’t pay blindly. Ask questions to the finance team.
    Mar 16 8
    • Upwork
      zanyzad

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      zanyzad
      OP
      Yes when I called up the billing office last time, they said the billing codes should be the same on the bills for both physician services and hospital services.

      But you raise a valid point about only being charged for equipment so I will call and see if I can contest the 99214 on hospital services bill at least. Thank you
      Mar 17
    • 99214 is a cpt code that is typically used to setup an office visit appointment. So in this case, the doctor who was contracting charged you for his time and the hospital that helped schedule the appointment charged for the same. Again the same charge seems doubtful. It should vary cause obviously the receptionist didn’t evaluate your condition. Do keep me posted how it went.
      Mar 18