First Time for Everything October 5, 2006
I actually had an OB appointment today and didn’t beg for an ultrasound. It’s definitely a first. It’s not because I’m feeling any more secure, because I’m not. It’s just that I had one two weeks ago and I know that I’ll be having a detailed one done when I go back and see the peri next week.
My appointment was pretty uneventful without any ultrasound action. The things they did check were ok, though.
She said that she wanted me to come back in four weeks. Oh, how that makes me nervous. Thank goodness I have that peri appointment in a week. Plus, I know I can always call and go in before then if need be.
One thing that took me aback today happened when I was checking out. We have new insurance as a result of Dan changing jobs. It’s not nearly as good as our previous insurance, but I’ll take what I can get. They had worked up exactly how much I needed to pay including my deductible, office copays, and the doctor’s fee for delivery. Um, ok. The thing is, though, that they wanted me to pay it like now. What? I have no idea if this is common policy or not, but it makes me very uncomfortable.
It’s not about the money. It’s about the fact that they’re just assuming that things are just going to keep going on course. I tried to mutter out something about the fact that this had been a long road, and I just couldn’t assume that I’d be getting a baby out of it. I’m sure the receptionist thought I was nuts, but I don’t care.
Hell, I can’t think about preparing a nursery or anything like that. You think I can pay ahead for all of the office visits that I may or may not have? Don’t get me started on thinking about paying delivery costs.
So, I didn’t pay anything. I couldn’t. Maybe if I make it to my next scheduled appointment in four weeks. Maybe then. I don’t know if I’ll ever be comfortable with making assumptions that things are going to work out, though. It’s still hard to believe.
- Posted in : Post cycle #7: Trying to stay knocked up
- Author : amanda
Comments»
How many weeks are you? That’s nuts- I’ve never heard of such a thing, and even if they did want you to, I’d think this would be more appropriate to wait until 32-34 weeks.
Glad all is well.
YEAH for your first normal person OB appt!
As far as the money thing, here is my two cents. I used to work for a periodontist (gum surgeon) and they had a motivational/business consulting company that specialized in doctor and dental offices and how to increase their accounts receivables - the main thing they emphasized over and over again was to ask for payment, many times before treatment, and to always get payment when the patient was there in person - I couldn’t believe how many people actually paid for their surgery balance before they ever had the work done! The receptionists were taught to ask for payment up front as if it is standard protocol and I’ll be damned if a lot of people didn’t pay up front. Your OB office manager may be getting the same type of training - hell, most places would LOVE payment up front, doctors offices get away with it.
I’d pay after services were rendered - they know you have insurance.
Leggy- I’m 23w4d. I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought that was nuts.
Julianna- Thanks for the advice. I appreciate hearing from someone who knows what’s what. (Cause I obviously don’t.)
With J’s pregnancy, I had a much better insurance plan than I currently have now. For J, I paid a $10 co-pay at my first OB appt, then nothing after that. And while seeing the peri during that pg, I paid $20 per visit. After that, I only had to pay my $250 co-pay at the hospital on the day we were discharged with J (omg, they really let us take her home with us!).
Now, with this pg, I’ve been given a ‘fee schedule’ of what I’m expected to pay. Something in the tune of about $500 or so dollars, on top of the $20 copay per peri visit. And I don’t think that even goes into any hospital co-pay/costs. And though I was given the option to pay it in four installments if I so desired, I was also asked if I wanted to pay it all up front (back in August). Weird, huh, especially since I was still pretty early along then. I guess it must be ‘bliss’ working with ‘normal’ pregnant women and just expecting that everyone will reach that magical delivery milestone so asking “do you wanna pay for that now?” isn’t so odd to them.
I’m so glad that all is doing well, but you might want to set a deadline for that nusery. Like, maybe when you get to 28 weeks or 30 weeks or 32 weeks. I know that this is assvice, I know it is, but doing things like the nursery and a little baby shopping is what we all dream of doing. I missed mine because I went on bedrest at 30 weeks. Now, this is not going to happen to you; our circumstances are very, very different. But I would hate to see you miss this joy after all that you’ve been through….
My OB’s office required the “copay” up front as well. In fact, the plan always was to have the 20% (we were on a ppo at the start of pregnancy) you would ultimately owe due by your fifth month of pregnancy. And YES, it’s hard to pay that when you aren’t even sure if you’ll ever HAVE that baby (though they assured me that the monies would all be refundable (minus any office visit fees) if needed). I don’t think a lot of these places realize the emotional fragility of some pregnant women. I think Julianna’s advice is great.
I think way back in the dark ages when I had children, I had to have any balance I was responsible paid by the seventh month. Now, remember this was at least 16 years ago–the age of my baby!
Anyhow, congratulations to you. Haven’t been reading very long but am praying for a successful ending to your long journey.
I thought it was SOOOOOO strange when our office wanted us to do that. My husband told me it’s because they don’t want you to have the option to go elsewhere for your care. So we haven’t paid it yet. :) I will pay it after the delivery.
Isn’t it sort of like Target charging you for a pair of shoes you like but may not buy?
Strange. It annoyed me.
Fun to think we will have boys the same age! :)
That would have been really hard, but I’ve heard of it happening elsewhere. Mine was just the opposite, where I didn’t pay a penny until the very end. Of course, we’re still fighting with the insurance companies (mine also switched in the middle of my pregnancy) over who pays what, and P will be 3 in December, but I would have been very uncomfortable paying for it all ahead of time.
I agree with the idea of setting a deadline for nursery preparation. You don’t need much for a newborn if you’re breastfeeding (co-sleeper or bassinette, if the baby’s not in bed with you; some diapers; a few pieces of clothing; some receiving blankets and burp cloths–you can always buy more once your son is home), but it’s nice, albeit scary, to have it ahead of time. If it makes you uncomfortable to keep in in the house, maybe you could keep it at a friend’s house and they could bring it over when the baby is born? Just some thoughts/assvice.
I’m glad you had an uneventful OB appointment and I’m so happy that things are progressing so nicely. This payment issue is just strange. I agree with callistawolf — I don’t think they know how fragile a pregnant woman can be. Maybe you need a sign around your neck when you walk in: “IVF patient. Respect Me.” I also agree with Suz…why not look at nursey items? You’re doing so well, enjoy this. Enjoy this planning, even if you just look at stuff on line. I’m at the start of the adoption process and have already browsed through many webpages and a store. It doesn’t mean I jinxed the process, it just means I am finally looking forward to a new beginning. You made it through to the other side, start preparing for your new beginning in little ways. Do what you can handle, then stop. I’d hate for you to miss out on the happy things a pregnancy brings…I understand where you’re coming from, but I just want you to try to look ahead too.
That sounds really strange, but then again what do I know about it?
Glad for the good appointment!
hi amanda,
i am sooo glad your little guy is doing well!!! julianna is right about the doctor thing. my ob office was constantly asking me, “would you like a payment today.”
and don’t worry about your nursery. i didn’t set mine up until my 9th month. it just wasn’t a problem. also, my best friend threw me a shower after my son was born, so he got to attend. i guess my point is you don’t have to do ANYTHING that you are not comfortable with. this is your pregnancy, your little guy and your money!!!
I had to book my hospital stay for delivery when I was only 6 weeks pregnant…. (had to phone the hospital and say I was due in December so they had me down for that month..yikes!) It was for my 3rd pregnancy, the one that finally stayed around so I ended up with the baby in the end. Wow, did I ever feel like I was jinxing things! Weird how they do it in Australia…stressed me out big time.
Amanda, Congrats on the 24wks (+2 days!!) Im so excited for you.
Our sister office is an obgyn, not sure how the paying scale thing works there though.