Boy, I sure hate even typing that headline, but it is a reality we all need to deal with. Just last week I read some tips on finding ways to save on health care insurance when, days later, one of the very scenarios I read about happened to me. I had a quick medical procedure performed last month. I asked my doctor about his network status and thought I was completely covered when I confirmed his network membership. Turns out the surgery center was also in network, but the anesthesiologist was not. I received a health insurance summary noting what my additional out-of-pocket expense would be after my carrier paid their out-of-network share. I had made the very mistake the tips list warned against: I had failed to make absolutely sure that EVERYONE involved in my medical procedure was in the network.
Fortunately for me -- when I called the non-network provider and explained the situation they agreed to accept the insurance payment as the total. Lucky for me.
So, be a good health care consumer, and do what I did not: don't assume everyone is in the network just because your physician is a member. My situation had a happy outcome, but I think that was sheer luck. I won't make that mistake again.
Wishing you good health (and no need for health care shopping),
-reenie
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