HMO Insurance Woes: A $1350 Anesthesia Bill That Almost Broke Me
In October 2024, my son found a nodule on his neck, leading to a biopsy at CHOC Children's Hospital. The procedure was smooth, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish. However, in November, I noticed a $1350 anesthesia fee on our HMO insurance summary that had been denied, despite a letter promising coverage for 15 minutes of anesthesia.
By December, the bill arrived, and I was stunned. $1350 for 15 minutes? I’d paid less for a 12-hour epidural during childbirth without insurance. I contacted the doctor’s office, sent the necessary documents, and got a prompt response saying they’d act immediately. But in January, the bill reappeared. The assistant told me to contact the insurance company myself.
After a call, I learned they hadn’t received the claim due to a department mix-up. They assured me not to pay and that they’d correct the issue. Lesson learned: never rush to pay a hefty medical bill. Always ask for details, inquire about denials, and negotiate if necessary.
#HealthInsurance #MedicalBills #HMO #AnesthesiaCosts #FightTheBill
