Just want a test but they all charge the "doctor's visit"
Hi all,
I went to an ENT and that doctor referred me to another place to have an allergy test then came back with the result.
I called that place (and many similar places), the code for the specific test only came up $7 in BCMA tool but all of these places also charge a doctor's visit which usually cost > $100.
What I don't understand is why do I have to pay for the doctor's visit if I just want a test. I think it should be:
* I visit the ENT - paid doctor's visit once and a nasal endoscopy
* Now I just need a test in another place, I don't need to see a doctor at that place.
* Then I visit the first doctor again and possibly pay for another visit.
I have no reason to see the doctor if I just want a test, they don't know about my nasal endoscopy or anything about the previous visit. The most they do is look at the test result and conclude sth. The first doctor will combine that result and whatever he found out in the first visit to diagnose.
So questions:
* Is it normal to get charged for doctor's visit even if you just want a test?
* Anyway to filter out places that just do test without forcing the doctor's visit as well?
* Usually if you visit the first doctor again after the test result, do you pay for another doctor's visit with the first doctor?
* Can I ask the first doctor to email me all the results including the nasal endoscopy so I can visit the second doctor for the test and give them all of that and won't need to come back to the first?
Thank you!
BC MA cost estimator/help line is not helpful. It's always "depending on the provider" - if they bill under the doctor or the facility, if they charge you a doctor's visit or not... Feels like they should have all of that in place.
They can't just give me a place that does X for Y amount.