1/30/2021 REVIEW: MY 12/29/2020 ANNUAL PHYSICAL COST BREAKDOWN

Introduction

At 5:38 PM on Saturday, 1/30/2021, I begin to write. Didn't you love the clouds today? What about that snow that fell for a few minutes, before turning to rain? Those were great! It was wonderful hiking weather. I am joking, of course.

I'll probably have another article tomorrow. It will include additional commentary on several topics. Until then, I thought that you might enjoy this brief article, just for fun!

My 12/29/2020 Annual Physical

I mentioned my annual physical in the 12/29/2020 article. I hope that my good personal care physician (PCP), who is a friend, and his wife decide to hike House Mountain with me soon! It's up to him. He knows that he may call me at any time!

The following is my financial commentary on my 12/29/2020 annual physical. It is not pretty.

MARION'S 12/29/2020 (Tuesday, 8:15 AM) ANNUAL PHYSICAL

12/29/2020: I paid the $25.00 copay by check.
1/09/2021, Sat., rcvd. BCBS EOB: $520.00 billed - $289.29 BCBS discount = $203.72 BCBS paid.
1/16/2021, Sat., rcvd. BCBS EOB: $412.54 billed - $378.19 BCBS discount =   $34.35 BCBS paid.
1/30/2021, Sat., rcvd. BCBS EOB:   $75.00 billed -   $63.65 BCBS discount =   $11.35 BCBS paid.

The calculation is: $1,007.54 grand total billed - $731.13 BCBS discounts = $276.41 balance due to my PCP - $249.42 BCBS paid - $25.00 I paid by check = $1.99 balance due to my PCP.

I wonder if my good PCP and friend will send me a bill for $1.99.

Conclusion

My doctor and friend does well. He is an old-fashioned doctor. He hears and listens. Additionally, he does the type of thorough examination that doctors used to do years ago. Many don't do that now. Still yet, however, my doctor has to play the “modern insurance game,” which is insanity, as I see it.

My doctor and I both know that an annual physical should not cost $1,007.54. We both know that $274.42, which he was paid ($249.42 BCBS paid plus $25.00 I paid), is too much. An annual physical should not cost more than about $50.00.

I see how much was charged for every little detail. For example, the audiology charge for my hearing check was $75.00. BCBS discounted $55.14. BCBS paid my PCP $17.87. I was there. The young female assistant checked my hearing. It took about 30 seconds. She was surprised, when I could hear the tone that a human was not supposed to hear. I had some fun. Thirty seconds of work by the assistant earned my PCP $17.87. You can figure the hourly pay rate, if you want to do so.

At 6:01 PM, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman stated, “Alright, it's ready.” Okay, I'll stop. It's supper time, y'all!

Look for another article tomorrow, especially if the weather hinders a hike.