If Your Doctor Recommends Medical Equipment, Shop First
It is unfair and annoying that patients are forced to buy medical equipment at the best price. Silver lining is what you really can .
When I had knee surgery a few years ago, I was given a bandage and a TENS device at the preoperative appointment. Since I had not paid off my deductible, I received invoices for both, hundreds of dollars each. I later learned that the brace could be bought on Amazon for half the price I paid. The TENS machine was even cheaper.
WNYC reports a similar scenario where patient Esteban Serrano was billed over $ 800 for a knee brace he found elsewhere for $ 250. They point to some tips that I would like to know when I was in the same boat:
You can shop around
Unlike medical procedures , medical equipment is often sold in conventional stores (such as pharmacies and online stores) with prices. Before accepting the brace, take at least a minute to google it. If you have more time, let the staff know that you will be shopping and you will call them in a few days if you still want to buy a device from them.
You may not actually need the hardware
Ask what the device is for, why a doctor recommends it, and how much it will help. You pay the bill; do you think it’s worth it?
Also ask why they recommend this particular brand or model. Sometimes it’s just a preference, and a much cheaper device would be just as good.
Read the fine print
Serrano noticed too late that he could get his inflated brace back in seven days.
Even if you have good enough insurance, find out (online or by calling the number on the back of your card) how much you’ll have to spend on “durable medical equipment” – your share may be more than you think.