How much should a doctor charge for a septoplasty follow up visit? Visit is in-office, not at a surgical center.

Question

I had septoplasty surgery to open nasal passages. A week later a 'follow up' visit, 3 weeks later another 'follow up' visit and another in July. I received the bill for this visit and was charged over $500, insurance paid $100, leaving me with $400 for each visit. It was an office visit. I paid $2200 between the DR and surgical center. I've asked the DR's office for a explanation as to why so much. I haven't received a response. I'm not sure what to do. I think this is crazy, am I wrong?

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your post. There does seem to be a billing error for your after surgery office visits. Typically, there is a 90 day global period for after care related to insurance related septoplasty surgery. This means that for 90 days the office visits are included in your surgery fee and cannot be billing separately. I assume that you paid $2200 up front to cover your unmet deductible or co-pay. Perhaps the insurance company was billed in error after surgery and your portion is therefore incorrect as well. I am sure that your physician's office or insurance carrier will help you sort this all out. Some surgical services have zero global days, so the physicians office is allowed to submit a claim. In your case, you are right to want this corrected. Hope this helps.

How much should a doctor charge for a septoplasty follow up visit? Visit is in-office, not at a surgical center.

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