What do you pay for Coumadin Clinic Services.

Joel · May 30, 2006

I'm curious about what people pay for their Coumadin Clinic Services.

Last year when due to my surgery I reached my out of pocket limit, I never had to pay anything so I didn't pay much attention. Now this year my deductibles are back in effect. So, for the first time I am seeing the true cost of this service.

I am paying $79.00 (After Insurance Discount) for visiting the Lab having them use a Pro-Time machine, providing the results and dosage. This is billed as two services. "Laboratory Services" at $22.80 and "Op Misc. Services" $52.25

The "Op Misc. Services" $52.25 is subject to my $250 deductible and then is covered at 80%, while my "Laboratory Services" is covered at 100%.

The Insurance paid for my home testing machine.

Now that I have home testing, I test at home and phone in the result to the clinic. I get charged the exact same amounts?!? It is not clear if the Insurance will buy my supplies yet (Or 80%, etc.)

I wonder what other coumadin clinics are charging. Is it different if you test at home?

I would like to compare. For those willing to provide this info. Thanks,

I apologize if this topic was already covered, I tried to search, but kept getting timeout errors.

Joel

JimL · May 30, 2006

$40 up until last December, then the hospital upped it to $160. Same service.

M&M · May 30, 2006

Hi Joel, WOW !!! My coumadin clinic is 'free' unless I go into the office for testing. If I go to the lab - I only get charged for the lab and not the coumadin clinic. I do have a home test and I test myself once a week at home and the 'insist' I call them weekly with the results and they tell me whether to change my med doseage or keep the same regimen. Sometimes I didn't call them if I was within my 'range' and the Coumadin Clinic called me at home one day and asked why I didn't call them with my home results. I said: Well, I'm within my range and I thought I would save you the time and they said: that's nice - but we want to hear from you and to please keep in touch and please call us weekly and let us know how your doing. I do not get charged for this !!!

I received this type of care from the coumadin clinic right after my OHS and unless I physically go into their office and get checked or have my machine checked for accuracy - they don't charge.

I thought it was rather strange to not be charged - even for phone service - but I guess they figure they save money in the long run if I stay out of the hospital than for me to not get checked and end up in their hospital. Since my PCP and all my specialists are in the same location.

My CHF clinic doesn't charge me for phone call checks either. I virtually never get hospitalized unless I need surgery and since I have CHF - I guess that's really unusual. If I'm not breathing well I call and they get back to me within 24 hours - usually within 2 hours and they direct me as to what to do. I have to weight myself everyday and call if there is a 2 lb difference and they don't charge me for the call.

Maybe a call asking them if its proper to bill the same amount as a visitation charge without a visit !!! I should think it would be alittle cheaper - since they don't give you a 30 minute visit.

M&M

Sherry · May 30, 2006

Hi, Joel,
I end up paying about 10.00 (out of pocket) or so for the coumadin clinic and about .94 for the lab draw. Hope this helps.

lcwhitney · May 31, 2006

I pay abou$15.00 after medicare pays their 80% . Unfortunately my coumadin clinic is closing I will have my doctor to go back to blood draws at mydoctor's office.

Lettitia

Ross · May 31, 2006

Joel that is way wrong! They should not be charging you a thing for calling in your results to them. They are profiting fraudulently from you. I'd be all over someone about it as soon as possible.