Marz
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3446
posted
I'm finally going to see an LLMD and since he's not in my health insurance network, I still will be covered but will have to pay a $200 deductible.
It will be worth it to me, but I am concerned because the office said the first visit will be a three hour exam that will cost $600. (not including lab tests.)
My health ins. co had already told me that if costs are not "in line with what is normally charged" I will have to pay more than the $200.
Is this typical for LLMD's both in time spent and amount charged?
Posts: 1297 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2002
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Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
I'm glad you've got an appointment with someone.
My initial LLMD appointment lasted for about 2 hours. I had quite a bit of blood drawn for tests, and in all, if I recall, the cost of the appointment was $350.
Subsequent appointments have been shorter and have cost quite a bit less.
I do know rates can vary, but I hope this is helpful. The thing is to find a doctor you trust and one who is skilled at treating this disease. For me, that's been the smartest decision I have made in years.
I wish you a speedy recovery.
Andie
[ 04. April 2006, 06:32 AM: Message edited by: Andie333 ]
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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posted
My LLMD does not take insurance and I pay out of pocket. The first visit was just over 2 hours with the Dr. He took a very complete history and did a thorough exam. I paid $450 or $500 (can't recall) and it was worth every penny.
Follow-up visits are shorter and cheaper.
-------------------- Lucy Posts: 342 | From Hawaii | Registered: Nov 2005
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beachcomber
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5320
posted
My insurance co. is billed $100/visit, including the first one. The cost has always been the same, no matter how long my MD spends with me and no matter how long the nurse spends checking my vitals and drawing blood. Insurance reimburses directly, at a negotiated reduced rate. My MD is fair. I think he probably loses money on patients like Moi.
I went to another LLMD, for a second opinion. The bill was $700 for the initial visit, excluding the cost of bloodwork. I was appalled, especially since I was diagnosed by this "expert" with a rare intestinal disease and a psychiatric disorder. Needless to say, it was a waste of time and money. An expensive bowel biopsy revealed that the diagnosis was incorrect.
Have a talk with the MD before you pay anything. I think some MDs can be persuaded to renegotiate their rates if insurance won't cover the cost. 90% of the time the insurance co. does not pay the full amount billed anyway. Patients without insurance, or out of network, can be a gold mine for some MDs, since they have to pay the full amount billed, not the insurance reimbursement amount.
I don't have dental insurance so, I have to pay top dollar for all dental work. Just an example.
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