Topic Overview
Each part of your treatment may have a cost. For example, if you have surgery, in addition to the cost of the surgery itself you may have separate charges for things like anesthesia and the time you spend at the hospital after the surgery.
Doctors aren't likely to know how much a procedure or course of treatment will cost on your insurance plan. But they can usually direct you to the people
who can get the information, such as:
- A staff person in their office.
- The
hospital billing department.
Ask your doctor about any hidden costs involved in the
procedure or treatment (follow-up visits, anesthesiologist fees).
- Is there anything you can do to reduce the
cost?
- Are there any less expensive options?
Review your health plan:
- Will your medical insurance cover the cost of
treatment?
- Do you need a second opinion or preapproval before this
treatment will be covered?
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|
Last Revised
|
August 13, 2012 |