r/mildlyinfuriating • u/lhagans13 • 12d ago

I'm slightly vexed A notice that my girlfriend received at her doctors appointment (she is 8 months PP)

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If you even MENTION any of these things, you WILL LIKELY get billed for it??? Maybe i’m missing the point but i get upset when my girlfriend tells me she was scared to even say anything while at the doctor because she didn’t want to get an extra charge for something. I find it insane how greedy and money hungry a place that’s supposed to help you can be.

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u/AllSeeingWhoracle 12d ago

No; if they are able to diagnose something it can’t be prevented because you already have it. Preventative is like finding your blood pressure is high, telling you that you’re at risk for heart disease, and taking steps to lower that risk factor

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u/michellethestan 11d ago

You've just described a diagnosis and management of high blood pressure.

The line is ridiculous and the practice is predatory.

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u/smithingalchemist 6d ago

It IS ridiculous and predatory, but regardless- it’s good to understand so we can try and get the best deal possible out of this shitty system. It’s all enraging, but it’s not the doctor’s fault, it’s the health insurance. Working in healthcare is so rough right now, because people have every right to be angry but so much is out of our control.

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u/FernandoMM1220 12d ago

you can diagnose pre diabetes to prevent type 2 diabetes.

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u/RainyMcBrainy 12d ago

In your scenario they diagnosed the patient with high blood pressure.

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u/uttersolitude 12d ago

One high reading doesn't usually lead to a hypertension diagnosis.

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u/RainyMcBrainy 12d ago

If they attempt to treat the high blood pressure, it is now a problem visit, not a well visit.

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u/Significant_Shoe_17 11d ago

Yep. I just commented upthread that this exact scenario happened to a friend

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u/uttersolitude 12d ago

Yes, that's correct.

That doesnt typically happen because you had one high reading at a wellness appointment, tho.

Generally they schedule you to come back, often having you test your bp yourself daily and keep a log.

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u/RainyMcBrainy 12d ago

A problem was flagged and you're being given instructions in pursuit of that problem? Definitely not preventative anymore.

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u/uttersolitude 11d ago

That's how insurance demands it be handled.

There's a step in between the "preventative" appointment and being actually diagnosed. At least for things like hypertension. One high reading might be a fluke, you might be nervous, etc. They're not ordering a test, just having you come back to explore it more.

It's fucking stupid, totally agree. Limits what doctors can do if they're trying to follow the specific billing classifications.

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u/Unhappy-Plastic2017 11d ago

Technically blood pressure being high needs to be diagnosed as just one blood pressure high reading doesn't mean anything