So a month back I go to urgent care for a cyst that is swollen & painful. They cut it, drain it, send it off for lab tests, and prescribe antibiotics (which they had to prescribe again due to some resistance). I have a high deductible plan so all costs are out of pocket.
Urgent care bill was $400 and dropped to $200 after insurance adjustments. Seems reasonable. Then I received a lab bill for $900!! After insurance adjustments… $720. I was floored.
I called the billing number and pretty much just explained that I wasn’t expecting this bill and it was a lot (kinda playing dumb). They asked me something about the urgent care billing, but I deflected and just stated, no one explained I would be charged this much. She almost immediately offers a 50% discount so I’m down to $360. After that I ask if they have payment plans since this is still a lot—she offers a 3 month at $120 per month. I offer my thanks for her help then ask “so there’s nothing else that can be done to lower my price or payment?”. She puts me on hold then after 1 minute comes back and states that if I make a one time payment of $125 over the phone, my bill would be cleared.
Like wtf?? I’m so glad that I got it reduced but this is honestly such bullshit. What if I had a dead day or was stressed with finances and was a bit rude on the phone. The same procedure is $600 more expensive if I get unlucky?
They were so (relatively) quick to provide such massive discounts it makes me think something fishy was going on (aside from the base scam that is US healthcare pricing.
TL;DR: Medical providers can reduce your bill with the waive of their wand. Make sure to ask for reductions / payment plans if you feel you are being overcharged
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