Can You Negotiate With Your Doctor Over Fees?
So – you need to get some medical work done, and it’s not covered by your insurance. Is it possible to negotiate with your doctor over the fee? YES! Here’s what you need to know, courtesy of Health magazine.
- Arm yourself with information. Research the medical rate for your procedure. Just head on over to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ website. This is generally seen as the benchmark for costs – many doctors will cut your bill to about what they get from Medicare. If the rate is $1,000, tell your doctor that $1,000 is all you can afford, but that you’ll pay it up front.
- Ask the right person for a discount. Almost always, that’s the DOCTOR. Before your exam, tell him if you’re uninsured or if your health insurance provider won’t cover that procedure. Let him know you want the treatment, but you just can’t afford the fee. Then ask if he’ll work with you.
- Suggest some other options. If they can’t offer you a discount, ask if they’ll work out a monthly payment plan. Most places will do this. You might end up paying more than you’d like overall, but you’re getting the help you need, at a monthly rate you can afford. When it comes to your health, that’s a priceless arrangement.
