My health insurance no longer covers dental visits. Last week I took my daughters for their semi annual cleanings. Like most dentists, mine has that little sign stating that payment is expected at the time services are rendered. Since I negotiate medical bills for a living, I was prepared to ask for a lower price when it came time to pay the bill.
Well, when my daughters were finished getting their cleanings and x-rays, they immediately went to get their coats on to rush back to school (one of them had a project to share with her class). At the desk, the billing clerk told me that the cleanings and x-rays for both girls would cost $212.00. So what did I negotiate the price to you ask…I didn’t, I just froze and wrote out a check.
I’m not sure why I just froze and wrote the check. I think it was a combination of needing to get my daughters to school, embarassment of discussing a lower price with the billing clerk in front of the girls, or the anxiety over speaking to the billing clerk in person instead of over the telephone. What ever the reason was, at that time I found it easier to simply write the check and leave.
This experience did get me thinking about who others must feel when asking their doctor of hospital about lowering their fees for services rendered. I really do think it is easier to sometimes let others (especially professional people you know) handle some tasks for you. Many people think nothing of paying someone to change the oil in the car, color their hair, clean their house or mow their grass. When it comes to your health and the rising cost of healthcare, maybe it is best to let a professional represent you and try to get a lower price. After all, our service is RISK FREE, if we don’t save you money you pay nothing! If you have any questions. please visit www.myinsnet.com.
