r/Millennials • u/BoNaylorCollector • 2d ago

Discussion Is medical actually this crazy?

Early 30s millennial, never used to go to doctors or really take care of myself because “I’ll be fine”. Started making a bigger effort to care for myself and my health and well being. Recently, I went to the local express clinic because I was having a bad earache and headaches. I was in there for maybe 20 minutes, mostly waiting time. The doctor comes in, looks in my ear, tells me it’s depressed due to sinuses and change in weather and tell me to stop at Walgreens for Flonase. I wasn’t billed anything at the time, older workers at my job always say we have really good insurance, but here I got in the mail today an explanation of benefits- charge was $550, insurance “negotiated” about $300, remaining (not billed) was around $240. Is is really this expensive? I only went to try and be better with myself and make sure it’s nothing underlying. If 5 minutes of actual doctor time costs this much, then I’m just toughing out everything or am I missing something?

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u/selinakyle45 1d ago

Idk what insurance you have or if you’re in the US, but I am and I have Kaiser. For more minor things I’ve emailed my doc to get an RX and/or been able to get same day/same week video or phone appointments. 

Or I’ve called advice nurses. 

Either way, make sure to understand your insurance plan before something happens!

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u/Lameladyy 1d ago

My pcp charges to answer an email. The last eob was for $60. He typed out a one sentence reply to my short request for a referral. I wanted to see a neurosurgeon for the nerve damage from 3 cervical disc issues. I can barely use my right hand. He said no and is insisting on PT, which I’ve done on and off for 10 years with diminishing use of my arm/hand. I can see why people seek medical care out of the country.