Medical Ins. Is This Legal

luvdoodles · ‎06-19-2010

I see a doctor, has his own private practice. He no longer accepts any form of medical insurance from any insurance company. Is this legal? Now I have to pay $80 for each visit. I realize some drs only accept some networks, but not to accept any just doesn't seem legal to me. Has anyone else come across this. He just changed this a few months ago.

Caaareful Shopper · ‎10-09-2012

There's nothing illegal about it, in fact, depending on the part of the country, it's happening more and more lately. The doctor will most likely accept a payment plan from his patients, on a case by case basis. It's entirely up to you to either stay with this doctor or go elsewhere.

happycat · ‎09-18-2010

Not sure if it is legal or not, but I have heard about this before. Several years ago, I heard about a physician who specialized in thryroid issues. I called and the receptionist informed me they didn't take any form of insurance and all the tests that would be needed were rather expensive. I decided not to go.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

It's no different than a dentist that doesn't accept any form of insurance.

Our retired dentist did not, we were fortunate enough that our plan is a PPO and we were reimbursed for some of the costs.

If you have a PPO you can file a claim with your medical insurance carrier and will be reimbursed for something after you meet the requirements of deductibles. If It's an EPO and you go out of network you are responsible for the entire cost.

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

@luvdoodles wrote:
I see a doctor, has his own private practice. He no longer accepts any form of medical insurance from any insurance company. Is this legal? Now I have to pay $80 for each visit. I realize some drs only accept some networks, but not to accept any just doesn't seem legal to me. Has anyone else come across this. He just changed this a few months ago.

yes, he does not have to deal with the Bull s of the insurance companies

I am still oxox · ‎03-09-2010

There are many single practice providers that do not take insurance, it is up to them and it is legal.

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive what could go right.

GSPgirl · ‎01-03-2012

@luvdoodles wrote:
I see a doctor, has his own private practice. He no longer accepts any form of medical insurance from any insurance company. Is this legal? Now I have to pay $80 for each visit. I realize some drs only accept some networks, but not to accept any just doesn't seem legal to me. Has anyone else come across this. He just changed this a few months ago.

Yes. It's legal. We have a few doctors here that don't accept insurance. I have a PT that doesn't accept insurance, but will file my insurance for me. I usually get a check from my insurance company 3 weeks later. Or you may have to file your own insurance claim. It's only going to get worse according to a doctor I know.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

Our chiropractor does not take any insurance so we just get a receipt and then turn it in for reimbursement. Basically the patients do the paperwork for him, keeps his costs down.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

I've had to change my doctors and dentists just a couple of times in my life. I've been with my doctor and dentist for 20 years and would hate to change but would if they stopped taking my insurance. I realize this may not be an option in some towns though.