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My Blog Page - 2
Feb. 15
I had to have a cataract removed this week. No big deal, I knew. A very minor operation, so I wasn't nervous at all. The proceedure it'self was not the issue. The issue was co-pays. I have insurance, along with my Medicare and knew there would be a co-pay, which, by the way, has doubled in one year. But I have gulped and accepted that. Afterall, I stand with all the others in the no-choice position. The day before the proceedure, the surgery office called me. I was ask a couple of minor questions and then ask me if I knew I would have a co-pay. Yes, I assured her, I knew. She ask if I knew how much it would be. Another yes. Then she told me what it would be. OK, I reply. Then she tells me I MUST bring the co-pay amount with me. OK. But that wasn't enough for her. She repeated the whole thing again. I was wondering, by that time, if I sounded like an idiot. I assured her over and over I would bring the co-pay. The next morning I go in and sure enough, they call me up to the window and the first and foremost issue is the co-pay. She ask me the same questions that had been ask the day before. By that time, I was getting more and more steamed. I hurriedly paid the co-pay and then and only then did this girl relax and allow my paper work to pass the portal to the surgery suite. I couldn't help wonder what would have happened if I had not had the co-pay. But I know the answer. The same thing would happen if you went to Walmart, collected a basket full of stuff and tried to leave without paying. No co-pay, no health service. In my doctors office they have a sign posted stating each patient much pay their co-pay before they can see the doctor. And I am wondering what amount my co-pay will rise to next year.
I am old enough to remember when the payment of health services weren't as important as the health treatment it'self. I feel those days are gone, for the most part. I feel that the medical community is ruled by the insurance companies. I know there are many problems in the medical community as well as with insurance companys. But as there is nothing I can do about that, I just have the problem of making sure I have the co-pay.
