Search found 2326 matches

by toofache32
Fri Dec 24, 2021 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical billing question #2
Replies: 53
Views: 4680

Re: Medical billing question #2

AnEngineer wrote: Fri Dec 24, 2021 7:10 am
jeam3131 wrote: Fri Dec 24, 2021 7:01 am
mmse wrote: Thu Dec 23, 2021 11:54 pm
toofache32 wrote: Thu Dec 23, 2021 9:59 am I used to review patients history from their referral prior to appointments. But it turned out to be wasted time (and unbillable) when patients didn't show up for their appointment.
Hmm... Does not this implicitly penalize the disciplined patients? (by the doctor being less prepared). Is there a way to turn this around?
It doesn't penalize anyone.
Doctors can provide the same level of care without knowing the patient's history?
This is the "history" part of taking a history and physical.
by toofache32
Thu Dec 23, 2021 10:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hospital Bill Advice
Replies: 76
Views: 5638

Re: Hospital Bill Advice

-As I stated, you are not qualified to second guess whether the test was indicated. -You are also not qualified to assess whether they prioritized the services you received appropriately. receive. Is a patient entitled to a rational explanation why the tests are necessary? After such explanation, can the patient to sign off a waver refusing the test in order to proceed to what he really wants? Does it seem strange that the *basic* procedure the patient requested was not provided? Absolutely not. The ER is NOT there to provide what the patient "wants". They are there to provide what the patient NEEDS based on basic medical principles. [OT comment removed by moderator oldcomputerguy] In these cases, the patients usually tell the ju...
by toofache32
Thu Dec 23, 2021 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hospital Bill Advice
Replies: 76
Views: 5638

Re: Hospital Bill Advice

These are the people who balk at paying the $300 they contractually agreed to.... This isn’t quite right. They “contractually agreed” with their insurance company that (quite likely) they may pay something, but what the amount of that something is could very well be unknown at the time that said contract was signed. The something could be a copay, co-insurance, a deductible, something else, or perhaps nothing at all. But if the something is co-insurance, it is likely unknown what the actual “contractually agreed” amount would be until well after the fact. Perhaps it is only in health care where someone can “contractually agree” to something without having even a remote idea of what the cost of said something will be, and without any reason...
by toofache32
Thu Dec 23, 2021 9:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hospital Bill Advice
Replies: 76
Views: 5638

Re: Hospital Bill Advice

Thanks for the advice.. I was going to pay it but just wanted to peer review it with you all to see if I'm headed in the right direction. Looks like we're all in agreement that there's little point fighting it. You fell and hit your head and were a bit disoriented, so they ran some tests? It sounds like they were doing their job. These are the people who balk at paying the $300 they contractually agreed to.... but at the same time, will sue if a test could have been used to diagnose an improbable but possible condition. You're making an awful lot of assumptions here about me. I tripped down the stairs and the nurse was trying to explain to me that there could be an underlying condition that made me fall... so I'd need blood work, a chest x...
by toofache32
Thu Dec 23, 2021 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hospital Bill Advice
Replies: 76
Views: 5638

Re: Hospital Bill Advice

I'm curious to know who is "they"? The ER doc doesn't get paid extra for ordering blood work. The CEO is not sitting on his shoulder with red horns whispering "get the expensive MRI". Please tell us exactly who are the players in this deceitful game you claim.
by toofache32
Thu Dec 23, 2021 8:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hospital Bill Advice
Replies: 76
Views: 5638

Re: Hospital Bill Advice

Good grief
by toofache32
Thu Dec 23, 2021 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical billing question #2
Replies: 53
Views: 4680

Re: Medical billing question #2

AnEngineer wrote: Thu Dec 23, 2021 8:40 pm
toofache32 wrote: Thu Dec 23, 2021 7:44 pm
CFM300 wrote: Thu Dec 23, 2021 6:17 pm
toofache32 wrote: Thu Dec 23, 2021 3:57 pm It's also interesting that it sounds like your insurance is covering both appointments. They often don't pay for duplicative healthcare.
Second opinion.
Yes, that's what I said. Duplicative.
"Many health insurance plans cover second opinions." - Anthem
"Ask your health insurance company if it covers a second opinion. For some surgeries, it's required." - Cigna
"You have to pay in full prior to this appt for a 2nd opinion because your insurance company has stiffed me several times before." - toofache32
by toofache32
Thu Dec 23, 2021 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical billing question #2
Replies: 53
Views: 4680

Re: Medical billing question #2

CFM300 wrote: Thu Dec 23, 2021 6:17 pm
toofache32 wrote: Thu Dec 23, 2021 3:57 pm It's also interesting that it sounds like your insurance is covering both appointments. They often don't pay for duplicative healthcare.
Second opinion.
Yes, that's what I said. Duplicative.
by toofache32
Thu Dec 23, 2021 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical billing question #2
Replies: 53
Views: 4680

Re: Medical billing question #2

It's also interesting that it sounds like your insurance is covering both appointments. They often don't pay for duplicative healthcare.
by toofache32
Thu Dec 23, 2021 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical billing question #2
Replies: 53
Views: 4680

Re: Medical billing question #2

No this doesn't make sense. If both are in network, the 99204 should be less than the 99205 by little bit. That, of course, is what I was thinking, but it seems that many here agree with my insurance company's claim that there can be different allowable rates for different doctors for the same service/code, even if both doctors are in-network and of the same specialty. This has to do with negotiating power. Most independent private practice docs don't have any leverage. But docs who are employed by a university or major health system have the negotiating power. Actually, it's the employer (not the doc) negotiating in that scenario. I am an independent private practice physician. The insurance companies wouldn't even give me a fee schedule ...
by toofache32
Thu Dec 23, 2021 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical billing question #2
Replies: 53
Views: 4680

Re: Medical billing question #2

CFM300 wrote: Thu Dec 23, 2021 12:18 am
toofache32 wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 9:25 pm 10 minutes of YOUR time or 10 minutes of the doctors time? Can you tell us how much time was spent on your visit by the physician and office staff after you left?
It was about an hour of my time, since the doctor was late to the appointment. He had not read any of my history before our meeting. I explained my history and my concern.
I used to review patients history from their referral prior to appointments. But it turned out to be wasted time (and unbillable) when patients didn't show up for their appointment.
by toofache32
Wed Dec 22, 2021 9:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spouse....Poor review [at work]
Replies: 157
Views: 20591

Re: Spouse....Poor review

What is a "90% review"?? Why did they not complete the review?
by toofache32
Wed Dec 22, 2021 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical billing question #2
Replies: 53
Views: 4680

Re: Medical billing question #2

If one group of doctors (or other providers) is larger, in a tertiary care center or there is very little competition in their area, they’ll have more clout when negotiating with insurance companies. Unfortunately this is the exact reason that large hospital systems and private equity companies are taking over medical practices - because they have much more negotiating power. Small self-employed physician groups have a hard time surviving. Thanks for that insight, which aligns with what occurred. The doctor who charged and was allowed the higher rate for the lower service is affiliated with a large hospital, whereas the doctor who charged the lower rate for the higher level of service is affiliated with a small practice. The other thing to...
by toofache32
Wed Dec 22, 2021 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical billing question #2
Replies: 53
Views: 4680

Re: Medical billing question #2

CFM300 wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 11:27 am
Dusn wrote: Wed Dec 22, 2021 10:27 am If they had billed the same code, the hospital doc’s reimbursement would be even much more substantially higher.
Thanks for the additional explanation. I'm definitely experiencing sticker shock. I'm amazed that a simple, 10-minute verbal consult with an in-network doctor can cost $500 AFTER insurance. But the exact charges are irrelevant from my perspective, because I'm going to hit my max out-of-pocket one way or another.
"10-minute verbal consult with an in-network doctor".... 10 minutes of YOUR time or 10 minutes of the doctors time? Can you tell us how much time was spent on your visit by the physician and office staff after you left?
by toofache32
Wed Dec 22, 2021 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical billing question #2
Replies: 53
Views: 4680

Re: Medical billing question #2

If one group of doctors (or other providers) is larger, in a tertiary care center or there is very little competition in their area, they’ll have more clout when negotiating with insurance companies. Unfortunately this is the exact reason that large hospital systems and private equity companies are taking over medical practices - because they have much more negotiating power. Small self-employed physician groups have a hard time surviving. Thanks for that insight, which aligns with what occurred. The doctor who charged and was allowed the higher rate for the lower service is affiliated with a large hospital, whereas the doctor who charged the lower rate for the higher level of service is affiliated with a small practice. The other thing to...
by toofache32
Sun Dec 19, 2021 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite scotch/alcoholic drink?
Replies: 66
Views: 6716

Re: What is your favorite scotch/alcoholic drink?

jeff2718 wrote: Sun Dec 19, 2021 7:59 pm I'm a fan of peaty Scotches, especially Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Talisker. I also enjoy Laphroaig, but it is definitely not the easiest to drink. A few years ago my father and I took a trip to Scotland, and at a Scotch tasting there we were given the best possible description of Laphroaig: "it tastes like a burning hospital."
Yet, some people still take a second sip for some bizarre reason.
by toofache32
Sun Dec 19, 2021 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wi Fi extenders
Replies: 41
Views: 4106

Re: Wi Fi extenders

JBTX wrote: Sun Dec 19, 2021 5:11 pm Years ago tried an extender. It was buggy and inconsistent. Finally broke down and bought an Orbi system. Solved this issue and have had near zero wifi issues the last few years.
Love my Orbi Mesh system. I have 5 satellites spread over a 1 acre lot including a 4000 square foot house, although I could have gotten by just fine with the standard 3 satellites. 3 satellites are in the house (2-story) and another is 100 feet away in an enclosed pump house near the dock on the water, and another is in the detached garage which ultimately reaches 220 feet from the router in the center of the house.
by toofache32
Sun Dec 19, 2021 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite scotch/alcoholic drink?
Replies: 66
Views: 6716

Re: What is your favorite scotch/alcoholic drink?

Most clear tequilas. I can definitely tell you what my LEAST favorite is. Someone gave me a bottle of something called Laphroaig. Literally tastes like nasty cough syrup. Someone later told me it's fancy stuff although I have no idea how anyone can stomach that stuff.
by toofache32
Sat Dec 04, 2021 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ID.me [Identify verification site]
Replies: 363
Views: 42210

Re: ID.me

I have used ID ME for a couple years for writing prescriptions: https://www.id.me/business/epcs
by toofache32
Thu Nov 25, 2021 7:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pending sale of 1.2M medical practice and capital gains questions
Replies: 13
Views: 2688

Re: Pending sale of 1.2M medical practice and capital gains questions

This sounds like another private equity roll up where they "over pay" but they are really just pre-paying for your additional years of work at lower pay. [OT comment removed by moderator oldcomputerguy]
How was the valuation performed?
When you say "income" are you referring to production or collections or net personal profit?
What is your EBITDA and what multiplier are they applying?
by toofache32
Sat Nov 06, 2021 9:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Colonoscopy charge issues
Replies: 65
Views: 9102

Re: Colonoscopy charge issues

bradinsky wrote: Sat Nov 06, 2021 6:52 pm I have had 2 colonoscopies since I’ve been on Medicare. Combined with my supplemental G plan, I have never paid anything.
Thank you.
by toofache32
Sat Nov 06, 2021 9:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Colonoscopy charge issues
Replies: 65
Views: 9102

Re: Colonoscopy charge issues

A relative made an appointment for a colonoscopy. The office emailed preparation information and said she must have a covid test before the appointment. She chose to go to their office for the test and was handed what seemed the same packet of prep info. On examination, however, was a piece of paper saying there would be a $400 charge for the anesthesiologist not covered by Medicare. This had not been mentioned. If she hadn't gone, she would have gone through the prep (no fun) and been hit with a $200 cancelation charge if she didn't agree to pay the anesthesiologist. She then tried the gastroenterologist group to which her GP referred her, both part of the same system. This group said it wouldn't make an appointment until she had a virtua...
by toofache32
Sat Nov 06, 2021 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Colonoscopy charge issues
Replies: 65
Views: 9102

Re: Colonoscopy charge issues

A relative made an appointment for a colonoscopy. The office emailed preparation information and said she must have a covid test before the appointment. She chose to go to their office for the test and was handed what seemed the same packet of prep info. On examination, however, was a piece of paper saying there would be a $400 charge for the anesthesiologist not covered by Medicare. This had not been mentioned. If she hadn't gone, she would have gone through the prep (no fun) and been hit with a $200 cancelation charge if she didn't agree to pay the anesthesiologist. She then tried the gastroenterologist group to which her GP referred her, both part of the same system. This group said it wouldn't make an appointment until she had a virtua...
by toofache32
Sat Nov 06, 2021 3:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Colonoscopy charge issues
Replies: 65
Views: 9102

Re: Colonoscopy charge issues

A relative made an appointment for a colonoscopy. The office emailed preparation information and said she must have a covid test before the appointment. She chose to go to their office for the test and was handed what seemed the same packet of prep info. On examination, however, was a piece of paper saying there would be a $400 charge for the anesthesiologist not covered by Medicare. This had not been mentioned. If she hadn't gone, she would have gone through the prep (no fun) and been hit with a $200 cancelation charge if she didn't agree to pay the anesthesiologist. She then tried the gastroenterologist group to which her GP referred her, both part of the same system. This group said it wouldn't make an appointment until she had a virtua...
by toofache32
Wed Nov 03, 2021 10:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I Add My Wife to Home Title?
Replies: 62
Views: 6990

Re: Should I Add My Wife to Home Title?

MBB_Boy wrote: Wed Nov 03, 2021 7:59 am I decided to keep my wife off the mortgage, simply to allow her more room to take out additional debt if needed (e.g., vacation home, new car, etc). There was no benefit financially to putting her on it.

She is on the title however, because I didn't see an advantage to not doing so here in Texas. I also probably would have gotten some side-eye, but if there was a clear advantage she wouldn't have argued against it. She's typically rational like that haha
I could be wrong but I thought in Texas, both of you are REQUIRED to be on the title? Or maybe it's a tax thing?
by toofache32
Sun Oct 31, 2021 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Squaretrade wants me to find a repair facility for my compressor
Replies: 16
Views: 2002

Re: Squaretrade wants me to find a repair facility for my compressor

neilpilot wrote: Sat Oct 30, 2021 10:24 pm
toofache32 wrote: Sat Oct 30, 2021 10:17 pm What does one do with an air compressor?
Seriously? Used mine today to prep my home irrigation for winter. Yesterday to adjust DW’s car tires. Air tools. etc.
Seriously. Never had to mess with my sprinklers. My tools are electric. I have a tire inflator in my garage but I usually use the one at the gas station for 50 cents. Not everyone is a Bubba.
by toofache32
Sat Oct 23, 2021 12:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Replies: 23
Views: 2362

Re: Toilet Bowl Cleaner

I would be interested in a more active product I remember seeing advertised long ago but I cannot remember the name. It looked like a Roomba running around the toilet cleaning the walls.
by toofache32
Sat Oct 23, 2021 12:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have water heaters and installation gotten this out of hand?
Replies: 135
Views: 22263

Re: Have water heaters and installation gotten this out of hand?

Like everything else, it costs what it costs. Get multiple estimates. Figure out where you want the split between cost and quality. For some people, everything is deemed expensive.
by toofache32
Sat Oct 23, 2021 12:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Making an insurance claim to get my garage to pay up
Replies: 12
Views: 1620

Re: Making an insurance claim to get my garage to pay up

I'm confused. If you park your auto, who is "they" that scratched it?
by toofache32
Mon Oct 18, 2021 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?
Replies: 60
Views: 8189

Re: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?

soitgoes2 wrote: Mon Oct 18, 2021 7:54 am Vision and dental insurance often is more of a way to spread payments over a year and take advantage of negated rates. I know my dentist offers his own savings plan where you pay for two exams and cleanings at a slight discount and he offers a discount for other work you need. Unfortunately even many insurance don't cover the biggest dental expenses such as implants.
Which is why it's not really insurance.
by toofache32
Sat Oct 16, 2021 7:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?
Replies: 60
Views: 8189

Re: Walmart Dental

ceejay185 wrote: Sat Oct 16, 2021 6:04 pm Just curious if anyone has had any experience with Walmart Dental Services? Their operations are currently limited to Arkansas, Georgia, and Illinois. But $30 for teeth cleaning sounds like an incredible deal! https://www.walmarthealth.com/schedule/ ... 2&nbr=4108
I'll do it for $17.
Amazing how everyone talks about price but never quality.
by toofache32
Wed Oct 13, 2021 8:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?
Replies: 60
Views: 8189

Re: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?

Dental "insurance" is not really insurance. It's actually the opposite of insurance. It would be like if your auto insurance paid for your oil change but not a major collision. This is the best explanation I have come across: https://meadfamilydental.com/2011/12/li ... rol-freak/
by toofache32
Mon Oct 11, 2021 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I'm Ready to Buy a DashCam. Help me find some Options!
Replies: 16
Views: 2678

Re: I'm Ready to Buy a DashCam. Help me find some Options!

Horologium wrote: Sun Oct 10, 2021 11:13 pm
Flight Plan wrote: Sat Oct 09, 2021 6:55 pm
Image quality should be very good day or night, but I don't think I need 4K. I don't have any 4K monitors yet! :P
IMO, this is one of the most important, if not the most important, feature.

My reason for having a dash cam is to have video evidence of an accident. If the image quality is poor and I can't read the license plate of the guy who hit me and took off, what good is the dash cam?
I agree. You want the highest resolution to be able to read license plates. It's surprising how difficult it can be to read them with shadows and movement.
by toofache32
Sun Oct 10, 2021 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I'm Ready to Buy a DashCam. Help me find some Options!
Replies: 16
Views: 2678

Re: I'm Ready to Buy a DashCam. Help me find some Options!

spitty wrote: Sun Oct 10, 2021 9:21 pm https://streetguardian.cam/sg9663dcpro
Why would you want your speed shown? Seems this could work against you as much as it works for you.
[/quote]

You're right and I wouldn't present it as support in a situation if high speed could be a negative factor. If a cop sees you have a dashcam can they force you to show them the video? I wouldn't think so. Or one could say "it's broken" or "got erased". I'm not a crazy driver and just glad to have it in case "the other guy" is and causes a crash.
[/quote]

Good thoughts. I am no expert on this, but I have my MPH turned off. I just can't think of how it would help me. The VISUAL aspects of an accident on video (I think) are what is to be recorded.
by toofache32
Sun Oct 10, 2021 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hospital RN: pay range increase applied unfairly?
Replies: 77
Views: 10084

Re: Hospital RN: pay range increase applied unfairly?

nydoc wrote: Sun Oct 10, 2021 4:32 pm This is a big problem in healthcare. No one cares about quality and performance. If you have excellent skills you are still at the mercy of hospitals and insurance companies who decide the pay. Very difficult to get a better salary based on your performance. Only volume matters which leads to burn out and sadly patients are mostly in the dark about the quality.
This is true in almost all areas of clinical care, not just nursing. There is not much reason to improve your skills because there is no financial incentive.
by toofache32
Sun Oct 10, 2021 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I'm Ready to Buy a DashCam. Help me find some Options!
Replies: 16
Views: 2678

Re: I'm Ready to Buy a DashCam. Help me find some Options!

Installed the below Street Guardian kit (F & R) 2 years ago in my 2018 Accord and it has worked perfectly. Youtube has lots of install videos which made it easy. Only difficulty was getting upside down under the steering wheel to see the fuse box under the dash. Also got their mph sensor which puts a constant speed readout on the video. Though I've never needed video for evidence, I have pulled the card a couple times just to check picture quality and it's very good. Youtube has lots of videos posted from different cams so look some of those over. Appears SG has a few new models since I bought so you can compare to see which works best for you. https://streetguardian.cam/sg9663dcpro Why would you want your speed shown? Seems this could...
by toofache32
Sun Oct 10, 2021 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hospital RN: pay range increase applied unfairly?
Replies: 77
Views: 10084

Re: Hospital RN: pay range increase applied unfairly?

tenkuky wrote: Sun Oct 10, 2021 7:50 am
toofache32 wrote: Sat Oct 09, 2021 11:28 pm Also, welcome to the new world. This is not much different than how doctors are being replaced with lesser experienced staff. Such as nurses.
Maybe you meant NPs and PAs.
Unlikely nurses are taking over physicians’ scope of practice.
Yes, NPs are nurses.
by toofache32
Sat Oct 09, 2021 11:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hospital RN: pay range increase applied unfairly?
Replies: 77
Views: 10084

Re: Hospital RN: pay range increase applied unfairly?

Also, welcome to the new world. This is not much different than how doctors are being replaced with lesser experienced staff. Such as nurses.
by toofache32
Sat Oct 09, 2021 11:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I'm Ready to Buy a DashCam. Help me find some Options!
Replies: 16
Views: 2678

Re: I'm Ready to Buy a DashCam. Help me find some Options!

I have 3 Blackvue dashcams in my auto and 2 other family autos. Went through others and this is what I landed on as the best.
by toofache32
Sat Oct 09, 2021 11:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hospital RN: pay range increase applied unfairly?
Replies: 77
Views: 10084

Re: Hospital RN: pay range increase applied unfairly?

Hi all. I anticipate many well-intentioned comments along of the lines of "if you don't like it, look elsewhere." I get that. Looking for some actionable advice and mainly to gain perspective. My hospital system has a significant staffing problem right now in many specialties but especially RNs, like me. We received a company wide email a few days ago from the CEO saying that the pay range for RN was going through a "market adjustment." On my unit at least that means the whole pay range is increasing $2.20, or 7%. The problem is, the way they calculate this raise is the take the bottom of the pay range, add 50 cents per year licensed as an RN, and that's what you get. My wage happens to be above this amount due to exper...
by toofache32
Fri Oct 08, 2021 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?
Replies: 60
Views: 8189

Re: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?

Google "non-covered services dental". All but 11 states have laws prohibiting dental insurance plans from restricting fees that the insurance is not even paying. You might be in one of the 11 states right now, but these are disappearing. If the insurance is not covering these benefits, then the finances are between the dentist and patient and the insurance has nothing to do with it. [/quote] Not sure I understand what you mean "restricting fees"? [/quote] An insurance company should not be able to tell your dentist what their fees should be when the insurance company is not even a party to the transaction. But in 11 states still, the dentist is still supposed to charge only the discounted insurance rates if the dentist ...
by toofache32
Thu Oct 07, 2021 11:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?
Replies: 60
Views: 8189

Re: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?

The value of a dental plan is that they have contracted rates with participating providers that are typically 20-50% lower than the charges you would normally pay. Over 65 year olds are by far the highest utilizers of dental services. But this is only for the (on average) $1200 of dental benefits per year. No, that would be a limit on what the plan will pay in benefits. The discount applies to any (in-network) services, it's not limited by the maximum benefits that are payable. Google "non-covered services dental". All but 11 states have laws prohibiting dental insurance plans from restricting fees that the insurance is not even paying. You might be in one of the 11 states right now, but these are disappearing. If the insurance i...
by toofache32
Thu Oct 07, 2021 9:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?
Replies: 60
Views: 8189

Re: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?

PowderDay9 wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 9:10 pm The value of a dental plan is that they have contracted rates with participating providers that are typically 20-50% lower than the charges you would normally pay. Over 65 year olds are by far the highest utilizers of dental services.
But this is only for the (on average) $1200 of dental benefits per year.
by toofache32
Thu Oct 07, 2021 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?
Replies: 60
Views: 8189

Re: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?

arcticpineapplecorp. wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 9:11 pm just found out there's dental for VA (Veterans Administration) members. Don't know if you are but thought i'd mention it. didn't know about this until recently.
As someone who used to work in a VA dental clinic, benefits are only available for those designated as 100% service connection.
by toofache32
Thu Oct 07, 2021 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?
Replies: 60
Views: 8189

Re: Dental & Vision Insurance after 65 - best options?

michaelingp wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 6:31 pm
BarbBrooklyn wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 4:51 pm Yes, true. But I realized that when a person in my office was delaying being seen when she saw "stars in my eyes" and needed to explain that wasn't vision care, it was medical care.
I was seeing stars once many years ago when I did certain movements. I called my eye doctor, just asked for an exam. They said the next appointment was 3 weeks away. I said, "Would it make a difference if I said I was seeing stars?" They said, "Sir, can you get here in 15 minutes?" True story.
I'm not sure why the astonishment here. Most doctors offices keep a few spots open for emergencies. An exam does not qualify as an emergency. Certain vision changes do. True story.
by toofache32
Mon Sep 27, 2021 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: To be or not to be - MD vs Computer science
Replies: 358
Views: 33313

Re: To be or not to be - MD vs Computer science

Then you'd be wrong. Many people work after financial independence. In fact, I would argue nobody knows how much they're working for the money or not until they're FI. So people who work after financial independence are OK with not getting paid? That's my point. Everyone who works calculates the financial return. In volunteer positions it happens all the time. But when the money changes nothing about your life, it really doesn't matter much when you think about it logically. I highlighted the key word in my post above. Of course you can work after financial independence, but you don't HAVE to work. That's the entire idea behind financial independence. For the purposes of this discussion- there are significant differences between the concep...
by toofache32
Sun Sep 26, 2021 10:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: To be or not to be - MD vs Computer science
Replies: 358
Views: 33313

Re: To be or not to be - MD vs Computer science

I was thinking the same thing. If you're not motivated by money then you're stupid. Money fills your stomach with food, puts shelter over your head, and takes care of your kids. I'm willing to bet everyone here goes to work everyday for the same reason...so that someday they won't have to go to work. Then you'd be wrong. Many people work after financial independence. In fact, I would argue nobody knows how much they're working for the money or not until they're FI. So people who work after financial independence are OK with not getting paid? That's my point. Everyone who works calculates the financial return. In volunteer positions it happens all the time. But when the money changes nothing about your life, it really doesn't matter much wh...
by toofache32
Sun Sep 26, 2021 10:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: To be or not to be - MD vs Computer science
Replies: 358
Views: 33313

Re: To be or not to be - MD vs Computer science

White Coat Investor wrote: Sun Sep 26, 2021 9:49 pm
toofache32 wrote: Sun Sep 26, 2021 8:34 pm I was thinking the same thing. If you're not motivated by money then you're stupid. Money fills your stomach with food, puts shelter over your head, and takes care of your kids. I'm willing to bet everyone here goes to work everyday for the same reason...so that someday they won't have to go to work.
Then you'd be wrong. Many people work after financial independence. In fact, I would argue nobody knows how much they're working for the money or not until they're FI.
So people who work after financial independence are OK with not getting paid? That's my point. Everyone who works calculates the financial return. While you may have other reasons, money is still a factor.
by toofache32
Sun Sep 26, 2021 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: To be or not to be - MD vs Computer science
Replies: 358
Views: 33313

Re: To be or not to be - MD vs Computer science

Hi All, I am advising a high school sophomore on deciding his career choice. He wants to go for either (1) a BS/MD option, which is very competitive or, (2) Computer science undergrad, then MD Good student, smart with very strong work ethic, good social skills, entrepreneurial, motivated strongly by money in making choices. Indian American. Will a medical degree in a strong specialty work to his motivation of making money? Or should he stick with CS and try to be an entrepreneur? vk22: We don't need doctors "motivated strongly by money in making choices." Please suggest other choices. Best wishes. Taylor Jack Bogle's Words of Wisdom: “I challenge the growing trend in our society to give numbers a credence that they simply don’t d...