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Does this seem excessive for a first consultation with a family doctor?
I went to a doctor for first visit under BCBS health insurance, and the only blood test I asked for was a hemoglobin a1c test (because my family has history of type II diabetes and I am over 40--not because of any noticed symptoms). In addition to this, many extra tests were ordered: a CBC ($25), CMP (complete metabolic profile-$50), a TSH ($25) and $15 for the venipuncture itself. I am in middle Tennessee and I haven't had much experience with a family GP doctor here before now. But the office visit cost $168 (more than any Dr. I've ever consulted for a first visit). My total charges were over $300. Does this seem excessive? It did to me. Thoughts? I am due to go back soon for a followup after I have an MRI to determine extent of my known degenerative lower back disk disease. Lord knows how much THAT will cost!.
Previously, I've been to walk-in doctors who charge about $60-90 per visit. Also my insurance won't pay until I've met a $300 deductible, so I'm stuck with most of this bill.
Most of you seem to think this is normal; I suppose my real issue was that I was not informed that any of these tests would be done until I saw the bill. I had had a full blood screen done two years previous as well and told this to the Dr. I even have the results in my files. I guess the problem was communication. I was not informed in advance of these tests' necessity or advisability. Thanks for your answers!
7 Answers
- PalLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
This is pretty much normal (actually less than BCBS pays for the ones I get in MN). It sounds as though you have not had a full physical in some time and the Dr. needs the test results to establish baselines for these diagnostic tools. How much is your long term health worth to you? You already have a degenerative disease. If it were me I would want my Dr. to be on top of every other system in my body. That way we can establish a cooperative exchange of information and a better long term relationship.
- gillianproweLv 71 decade ago
First visit at 40+ he is doing a full screening to make sure you are not going to drop dead! I think this GP should be commended on his insight, for doing all these tests to make sure you are not going to have a massive heart attack, stroke. Now if you did have a stroke, well how much would that cost in money, let alone the cost to your family? Good Luck
- Anonymous1 decade ago
I would think your insurance would cover it. I was quoted 450 dollars for an office visit 5 years ago. I just order what I need off the internet!
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- =42Lv 61 decade ago
Whilst my countries medical system is not perfect, if i went to my normal bulk-billing medical centre, all of those tests would have been covered by the public health system. Of course, we all are forced to pay 1.25% income tax to pay for this service. At least this means poorer people effectively pay less, and richer pay more for the same service.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
That sounds like a basic blood panel screening for someone your age.
Health care is expensive, moreso as we age and need additional screening for serious problems. My biggest current problem was caught by one of the tests you had that you didn't ask for. Trust me, if you had it, you'd want it caught early.
- take a bowLv 61 decade ago
No, it is not extensive. Although, expensive. I wish I had better testing to find my cancer before it was found-at age 31.
