Legal Question in Health Care Law in Georgia

I recently went to a doctor for sinus issues. He did a nasal endoscopy as part of his examination. I have insurance and assumed that the nasal endoscopy was covered as part of the office visit, but I late received a bill for $150.00 for my copay for the endoscopy. I was told that it is considered a surgical procedure (it took about 30 seconds)and that my insurance requires that I pay $150.00 of the cost.

My questions are as follows. Should the doctor have told me that this would be billed as a surgical procedure and that I would have to pay the $150.00 and given me the option to decline the endoscopy, which he did not? Can I refuse to pay this bill since I was not asked if I would approve the procedure? Is a doctor legally allowed to perform a "surgical procedure" without written consent of a patient?

Thanks


Asked on 3/24/14, 9:55 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Your insurance coverage (what is or is not covered) is your responsibility. Certainly the doctor did not force you to have the procedure, so you had the opportunity to decline. You can refuse to pay, and it'll go to a collection agency and harm your credit (in addition to your standing with the doctor).

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Answered on 3/24/14, 10:05 am


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