[Histonet] RE: billing consults

[Truscott, Tom]

One way to think about it, would be that if a pathologist accepts a case, it is understood that he or she has the expertise to diagnose it, and with a diagnoses comes a bill. But, if unable to diagnose, or confidently diagnose, and a consult is needed, then the pathologist that can make the diagnosis gets paid, and the lab that did the preliminary work gets part of that pay. Would a mechanic charge you full price for fixing your engine, if he couldn't fix it and sent it to another mechanic to fix? Perhaps fee schedules should be set up so that a certain percentage goes to consultation ( because it's going to happen) and the patient doesn't get extra billing.Just an opinion. Tom Truscott 

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Tench, Bill
Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2010 9:48 AM
To: HISTONET <@t> PATHOLOGY.SWMED.EDU
Subject: [Histonet] billing consults

we ask the consultant to bill the patient's insurance.  If they don't do
that, they bill the hospital and the hospital passes the charges on to
the patient.  we do not make any distinction based on where the request
for the consultation came from (us, the patient, the treating
clinician).  The patient is the beneficiary of the service.  On the very
rare case when it clearly is an issue of intellectual curiosity (i can
think of only 3 examples), the practice will pay the charge.
 
Bill Tench
Associate Dir. Laboratory Services
Chief, Cytology Services
Palomar Medical Center
555 E. Valley Parkway
Escondido, California  92025
Bill.Tench <@t> pph.org
Voice: 760- 739-3037
Fax: 760-739-2604
 

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