All they can say is NO!

I have always been one to bargain for the best price on anything I buy. This not only includes things you buy, but services you may be paying for. This story is about doctor visits and co-pays and other expenses.

I must set the scene as I am 67, semi-retired and not the richest person, monitarily speaking, in this world. I am rich in many, many ways but money has never been at the top of my list on acquisiton. That said, I am somewhat of a bargain hunter, making my funds go as far as I can. It must the the 1/16 true Scot in Sinclair lineage.

My doctors all have co-pays and I am sure set fees for the services rendered. But I always ask myself if there is any discount or lesser fee program available. Recently I went to see my orthopedic specialist and he came in with a limp from an accident while skiing on his last trip west. He did my exam, gave me good advice, and then we talked about how he injured his knee. He described in detail how he turned it and I ask him was he doing his PT on it using hot and cold compresses to reduce the swelling and discoloration. He said he was, so I told him that it looks like the right therapy and to continue doing it. He got up to leave and was making a note in my file when I handed him a note from my brief case with the following...
For Services Rendered...$65.00, signed Dr. Nutter. He laughed, said this had never been done to him before and I soon found him in the hall telling this to a cohort of his. They were laughing when I left and when Debbie got me to the counter to check out, she said "The doctor said your co-pay today was ZERO". True Story.

The next was a test I needed for bone density that my insurance does not pay for on males. I have a mom with orthopedic problems and the doctor wanted this test for me. I ask how much and he said $195.00. Too much, as I was retired. We talked some more and he ask if I would pay what my insurance paid him.. $128.00...Still really too much for my pocket book. He walked out into the hallway and ask the physical therapist if we could do this for "fitty bucks". He looked at me and I took out my checkbook. Does not hurt to ask does it not?

The most recent was my chiro doctor and it was the initial work up and the co-pay on this was $125.00, then paid 80% after that. Again, I talked about being retired and limited income and when we finished he said "I tried to help you out a little bit...the bill was $75.00.

Guys and gals, it does not hurt to ask and be up front with medical service providers and they may be able to help you when they can. Three good examples of how mine have helped me. They all too give me drug samples of meds I use knowing this saves me big time at the apothecary....Later..Jeff