Billed for a Medical Test That Was Not Performed
My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: Texas. I visited a eye doctor in March 2017 for an exam. I recently received a bill for an additional test that never took place from that March visit. I called and they claim that they provided me a glaucoma test and the cost is $200. I simply had a standard eye exam that was covered by my insurance. What can I do to get them to drop this bogus claim?
Re: Billed for a Medical Test That Was Not Performed
A standard eye exam usually also involves a test for Glaucoma. It is nothing more then sitting in front of a test apparatus and having a puff of air blown into your eye. It takes just seconds. Are you sure you didn't have the test? It may not be covered by your insurance but your ophthalmologist says they performed it. They may have submitted the charge to your insurance co. and it was denied. Now you are responsible to pay.
Re: Billed for a Medical Test That Was Not Performed
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budwad
A standard eye exam usually also involves a test for Glaucoma. It is nothing more then sitting in front of a test apparatus and having a puff of air blown into your eye. It takes just seconds. Are you sure you didn't have the test? It may not be covered by your insurance but your ophthalmologist says they performed it. They may have submitted the charge to your insurance co. and it was denied. Now you are responsible to pay.
This is inaccurate. In order to test for glaucoma they perform a few different tests. They measure the internal pressure, this is the air puff test and is usually accompanied by eye drops that contain numbing agents and dilatory agents. They also examine the optic nerve and, peripheral vision and a few others (5 is the comprehensive exam number).
Anyway, it's moot. If the insurance company denies the claim you'll have to take it with them. You are responsible for the bill, however, until and unless they insurance company changes their mind.
Re: Billed for a Medical Test That Was Not Performed
I've never heard of a $200 charge for a puff of air to measure eye pressure. It is normally included in the standard fee for the eye exam.
Re: Billed for a Medical Test That Was Not Performed
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asa_jim
I've never heard of a $200 charge for a puff of air to measure eye pressure. It is normally included in the standard fee for the eye exam.
That has been my experience as well.
Re: Billed for a Medical Test That Was Not Performed
Mine also. I'm not justifying the charge. The exam may have also involved Tonometry, Ophthalmoscopy, Perimetry, Gonioscopy, and Pachymetry. All of which are used to test for glaucoma. Point is that OP may not realize she had the tests.