A question about doctors' billing practices

[eldo]

I recently was billed for an after-hours call to my doctor's office. The doctor on call (not our regular one) returned the page, and we had a quick phone consultation (I was concerned that one of my kids needed emergency care).

I was just wondering if billing for a phone consultation has become a common practice. I've called after hours only once or twice before and was never billed, so this caught me by surprise.

I will consult the HIPPA laws, which are new and let you know. I am a retired clinical counselor and I would never, ever, think of billing any of my patients for a phone call provided it was not a long, long one. It is sad that doctors just bill for anything. Where is the compassion these days. Well, I guess we all need to get paid, but, I believe in charity, compassion and human kindness.

[eldo]

Thank you, mbclark.
My insurance will probably cover it (haven't checked, though), but I'm still curious what everyone else's experience in this situation has been.

[ihvfaith]

This happened when my son was little. We were gone on vacation so I called my family DR. A very quick phone call. We got home and I had a bill in the mail for a phone constulation. It was at that time 35.00. I soon found a new family Dr. who never charged me for a phone consulte.(sp). I did have to call him several times and he never charged me. I guess its up to each Dr.

[Jaxxie]

It is becoming more commonplace for Dr.s to charge for phone consults. They spend a great deal of their time on the phone to patients.

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[bestmidwest]

I personally think it's bull! We never had a doctor charge for a quick phone consult.