Overall, doctors are a compassionate group. They became doctors to help people after all. Given the right circumstances, most would consider granting a discount. However, before you ask, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, your doctor may have already discounted their fee without you even asking. Perhaps they only charged you for ten minutes of their time when you have taken thirty. The receptionist may be able to tell you if this is so, or could apprise you of your doctor’s usual and customary charges.
And, a word about co-pays. Your doctor is required by law and contract to collect these payments. Under most co-pay situations the fee has already been “adjusted” downwards by 20 to 50 percent. If a doctor charges you say, $100, insurance often knocks that down to about $65, the remaining $35 simply disappearing as a “negotiated” adjustment. Of the remaining $65 a good $40 goes to overhead (staff, rent, utilities, malpractice insurance, equipment, etc.). If your insurance pays $40 of the $65 negotiated fee, that leaves your $25 co-pay to cover the doctor’s time with you. These “negotiated fees” have dropped so low that many doctors are finding it difficult to stay in business.
In summary, if you have financial concerns, talk to your doctor about a discount. Some doctors offer small billing discount for cash up front and others allow interest-free monthly payments.
Also, check out your Health Center on campus! Health Centers have doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners who can care for you at a discount. Student Health Centers are great place for SAVINGS!
CRM Tip: Be reasonable, but it never hurts to ask!
Student Health & Wellness 