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Forum Name: Ear Nose and Throat

Question: help with a question regarding check-up fees

jiu66 - Mon Jun 20, 2005 7:57 am

Hi, My father, who is approaching his seventies, is visiting me on a Visitor’s visa now. Over the past couple of months he experienced recurring hoarseness in his voice. I checked on the web trying to find out what’s wrong with him, and was frightened by the possibility that he might suffer throat cancer since my father have been a heavy drinker most of his life. I know I should take him to a physician for a thorough check-up as soon as possible. But since he only has a visitor’s insurance, which does not cover anything considered as a pre-exiting condition. I am wondering if anybody can tell me whether American physicians ever accept patients without proper health insurance, and if they do, how much I should expect to pay for an accurate diagnosis of my father’s throat problem at a physician’s office? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Theresa Jones, RN - Thu Jun 23, 2005 1:05 pm

Hi jiu66, My understanding of a pre-existing condition is a medical condition in which advisement, diagnosis, or treatment has been rendered by a medical professional within approximately the last six months. If you father has not previously been treated for a condition it should not be categorized as a pre-existing illness. My suggestion to you would be call the (800) number which should be located on the back of the card and inquire what's their definition of a pre-existing condition. As for physician's offices, many will arrange a payment plan when no insurance etc. is available. Sincerely, Rntdj

jiu66 - Tue Jun 28, 2005 7:13 am

Hi Rntdj, Thank you so much for your generous help. I'll follow your advice and make some inquries. Thanks again, Sincerely, Jiu66

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