Medical examination disaster

[KrasiChrist 0]

Hi there! First of all thank you all for your help and information that I found on that site. Its been really helpful.

So last Friday I went to a civil surgeon for my medical. The nurse took two blood samples for syphilis and TB. They asked me questions about my health and my family's health too. I have no vaccination record. I was told to be back in 3 days for the result. So I went back today. The surgeon was already filled out the paper work. He told me that he put some dates on the vaccination record( and I didn't get any shots at all!). On my way out they told me that the amount that I own is 475$..........I was so shocked. When i asked the nurse what am I paying for she couldn't answer at all...she just start mumbling about x rays and stuff. I told her that they didn't do any x ray or what so ever. Of course I refused to pay and left.

What should I do ? I expected a price between 100$ - 250$ but 475$ is just a rip off. Any advice, please? :/

Thanks, Krasi!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Did you get a price quote before you booked? Some do charge $500.

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

That is exactly why people ask ahead of time what the cost is rather than assuming. Some are a whole lot cheaper
and you have to shop around.

[KrasiChrist 0]

No I didn't. And I feel so stupid for not doing that. I just assumed from everything that I've read that it won't be that bad...

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

Well, no use crying over spilled milk, perhaps they will accept several payments instead of one.

[KrasiChrist 0]

Yes. I guess that's what I'll do. Thank you ladies for your attention.

[TheCaptain 67]

That really doesn't seem to be a lot for a Visa Medical. That actually sounds like about a reasonable price. I paid $425 for my medical. Some people have paid upwards of $1000 or more for medicals so simply pay it and move on.

[Valor 131]

I called several places before I did that and the price range was different from $2XX to almost $500. I got mine done for $250 but I did have vaccination record. One thing worth mention is that you usually would pay more for vaccination fee (one place I asked was around $450) if you've never done that. But they do give you the vaccination that are needed. I guess your civil surgeon took advantage of that but didn't give you any vaccinations and that's why they couldn't give you any explanations.

[famictech2000 2]

No I didn't. And I feel so stupid for not doing that. I just assumed from everything that I've read that it won't be that bad...

Dont assume ; you make an "###" out of "u" and "me" = assume....

[Ischnura 285]

I've just had my AOS medical and the surgery required payment up front. They say it's standard as there are plenty of people who get the medical, knowing it's expensive, get their results then skip out on the bill. Not accusing you at all, just relaying what I was told a few times when I rang around for prices. Maybe, hopefully, the Doctors office will be willing to work with you on payment plan. You can only ask.

EDIT: Also, my Doc's office only perform one immigration medical per day on the grounds of paperwork on their end. I also recall, when I was pregnant and before our tricare was through, blood tests alone can run in the hundreds. Good luck.

Edited May 24, 2016 by Ischnura

[Scandi 4,168]

$475 is about what you pay here in Stockholm for medical + x-ray (about 400 for the exam itself, and then another 60 for the x-ray). It doesn't sound like an unreasonable prices to me compared to many other clinics. In Sweden we only have two clinics to choose from, I'll obviously go for the cheaper one but the price doesn't differ that much between the two.

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

You may still owe the hospital, walking out wasn't the best option. They performed a service and have to be paid. You can bring up the lack of x-ray in the procedure and get the price reduced. If you are in the USA already then you don't want them to turn over to collection.

[kzielu 1,149]

$475 is completely unreasonable. I paid $125 (in 2011 though).

Edited May 24, 2016 by kzielu

[Unshakable Faith 493]

Maybe you should call and ask how much it is. When you return to the clinic, ask what the price difference is for.

[Meowtain 3]

Here in Anaheim, I paid $250 (used my husband co-pay insurance ), $60 doctor visiting and + $170 for 3 vaccines and tb test at the clinic near my house.

My doctor said it could be cheaper if I could wait and had the vaccine done at my husband 's insurance facilities but I just want to get it over with so the doctor charged $170.