We get it. Now stop doing that.
In the course of working in Medical Administration for over 15 years I am always amazed at what people will do to circumvent the policies of seeing a doctor. One of the basic policies is to present an insurance card and do confirm identity, the presentation of a valid photo ID, at time of service. So I was a bit perplexed when not once, but twice in the past few months, I had patients who presented a photocopy of their Medicare Card with their billing number (which is their social security number) blacked out. Each time I gave the “card” back to the patient and said I could not accept a photo copy, I needed the original card with all the information visible. You see, the only way I can get my doctor paid is to bill Medicare for your service and I need that number to bill. Then I ran across this article and it became clear:
”Why you shouldn’t give your doctor your Social Security number”.
According to the article, doctors do not need your social security number to bill. That is correct, however, we do need your social security number if you choose not to pay your bill and we have to turn you over to collections. You see, when you go to a doctor, we are becoming a creditor, and we are accepting on your word that you will pay us whatever your insurance company says you will pay after we bill your insurance company. Surprisingly, many of you decide, after the fact, not to pay us for a variety of reasons:
1) I shouldn’t have to pay that much.
2) My insurance company said you billed wrong and you need to recode.
3) I thought it was free (preventive/well visits).
4) I do not believe in paying for medical care.
5) And many more that I have heard over the years.
So, if you do not want to give your doctor your social security number, then pay for your appointment in full, at the doctor’s fee schedule and then wait for any refund after the doctor bills and receives notification from your insurance company.
The article makes suggestions about how to get out of giving your social security number, but alas, your social security number is your Medicare number, so this is suggested:
“CR’s advice: If you’re on Medicare, you still have to share your Social Security number with your health care providers (in the form of your Medicare card), so they can get paid by Medicare. But you can get some protection by making a copy of your original card and, after the first visit, blacking out all but the last four digits of your Social Security number. That way you won’t have to carry around your original card, with your complete Social Security number, at all times.”
Okay what is wrong with this? Simple, because of identity theft and the ability to change insurances during the many open enrollment periods during each year, the physician has to confirm each time you visit that you do, in fact, have insurance, and that insurance is, in fact, yours. This is done by confirming your Insurance Number and Name with outside entities that assure your doctor that yes, the insurance is active and you are you. Thus, you can never bring in a photocopy, as each visit is its own self contained visit which must be verified. So with all due respect to consumer reports, this advice is wrong, so please stop doing it.
Source: http://insureblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/we-get-it-now-stop-doing-that.html
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
