My sister needs to have a colonoscopy test done but has no insurance, she lost her job and had lymphoma about 10 yrs ago;therefore, no normal insurance is willing take a chance with her. She eats right keeps in great shape, but occult blood was found in her stool and needs test done. Do you guys know of a clinic or private Dr that can perform test for cheaper price than a regular hospital? Thanks for any help.
she should also check out ICHIP insurance if in Illinois. They help give insurance to the uninsurable - http://www.chip.state.il.us/
many hospitals and medical groups and their labs groups have financial aid - like Northshore University HealthSystem. I think 2 different types - financial aid w/ regular docs/hospital appts and also via the clinic
she should start by talking w/ her doc that wants the tests
If she needs it she needs to sit down with a doctor who spells it out to the hospital that she needs it and she has to work out some sort of an arrangement. There are so many insurance companies out there and millions of people who have had cancer and as you pointed out this was a very long time ago. She could also keep trying.
There are also discount plans like Ameriplan, who also work out things with you. She will have her homework to do and I hope she will be all right and healthy. This really is bad and in my opinion in this particular case (and possibly my future also-I am a cancer survivor) I think public healthcare deserves more attention. B T W has she talked to anyone at Public Aid?
I know someone who had no insurance and went to Loyola in Maywood for this. He paid them a "down payment" of $50 and they set up a payment plan. Tell them exactly how much she can pay per month and they seem to work with that.
M., I am so sorry to hear of your sister's predicament. It highlights all that's wrong with our healthcare system! I just want to second some of the advice you've gotten here for her to meet with a doctor or call and talk to their billing department and explain her situation. We are insured but pay for it out of pocket and it doesn't cover a lot of things. Most doctors/hospitals will give you an outright discount because they don't have to pay for administrative help to bill a third party, wait for payment, etc. If the dr./hospital won't cut her a discount, she should keep looking. After that initial discount, she can also work out a payment plan. I found I had to be persistent to talk to the right person, but once that happened, I was able to negotiate a price that worked for us. Best of luck.
I don't have a specific recommendation for a hospital/doctor that can perform this test. But, I know that a lot of doctors and hospitals will work with a patient who doesn't have insurance. Your sister should try calling the hospital and telling them that she doesn't have insurance and see if they can work with her on the price since she will be paying out of pocket. Sometimes, they can even set up a payment plan in advance. Good luck & hope that she's ok!
