Free preventive visit can end in sticker shock for patients

Submitted January 23, 2012 - 14:04

Staff members at the practice of Lawrence Kosinski, MD, a gastroenterologist in Chicago, call patients three times before a screening colonoscopy appointment to discuss various aspects of the procedure, including any potential bills for removing polyps found during the test.

Still, sometimes patients are bewildered by invoices received for what they believe is a completely paid-for preventive visit -- but turns out to require out-of-pocket payment because a problem was detected.

Patients "get very upset -- no matter how pleased they are with the procedure -- if they receive a surprise bill," said Dr. Kosinski, a spokesman for the American Gastroenterological Assn.

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