Pathology bill from Septoplasty/Rhinoplasty?

Question

I received a pathology bill from my recent septorhinoplasty. Is it odd that I, the patient, needs to pay this bill? When I initially received a quote from my doctor regarding the procedure, I was assured that the quote covered the costs associated with the procedure.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

The cost for surgery usually includes, the surgeon's fees, the anesthesia fess, and the facility fees, plus the cost of implants or special supplies needed.It does not include the cost for preoperative history physical examination, laboratory work needed and pathology bills when tissue is sent for pathological examination.If during the course of any surgery the surgeon finds an unexpected findings or tissue that need pathological examination it is, and should be sampled and sent for pathology diagnosis, ( You the patient do not want a tumor to be ignored). The pathology cost is covered by insurance in most cases. Also there are laws in most states that obligate the surgeon to send any tissue removed during surgery to be examined by the pathologist??!!Samir Shureih MD. FACSsshureih@msn.com

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

In my office during the preoperative appointment I have each patient sign a form stating they will be responsible for the pathology bill.  I have a set cost with my lab for $63.00 for this service. I do not bill pathology to the insurance company as it has been my experience that the  lab will over bill the insurance company around $600.00 per specimen and if the insurance does not pay this in full then the patient is left with the remainder of the bill and this is to costly. All offices have their own policies however I do not like my patients to have any surprise costs so this is discussed prior to their surgery scheduling and reviewed again in their preoperative appointment.

Pathology bill from Septoplasty/Rhinoplasty?

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Pathology bill from Septoplasty/Rhinoplasty?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.