RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

I have 3 kids and have been going to my current pediatrician since 2004. 2 weeks ago when I brought my DS there for an ear problem, the person at the front desk informed me that they now charge a yearly administrative fee of $10 per child to cover filling out paperwork and such (whether you utilize it or not) and did I want to pay it. She also said that I owe it for 2007 and 2008. First of all, I have 3 kids, I've been in their office quite a bit over the last 2 years and this is the first time I ever heard of this fee. Second, last I checked this is 2009...they want me to pay $60 for the last 2 years when I never even heard of this?? I told them I wanted to check my records that I didn't already pay for the previous years but I know I didn't since I never heard of it before - and I have a very good memory - I just didn't want to pay it on the spot since I think it's BS they they are looking for it from the past 2 years.

I don't have anything against the fee itself although any papers I've needed signed like immunizations for school, I've basically filled the entire sheet out myself and they just had to stamp it. But it's fine. But from 2 yrs ago??


Would you pay it or protest it?

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

A $10 fee in addition to the $600 they already get from insurance for checking your kids weight, temperature and height? I don't think so!!

$10 to do administrative paperwork? Oh, so now you have to pay your doctor's administrative bills too? No way!!

eta: And then to ask you to pay 2007 and 2008??? I would have laughed in her face. That is absurd!

Message edited 3/18/2009 4:51:08 PM.

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

It's crazy that they want retro-pay!

My office actually charges $40 a year for the admin fee!

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

Posted by Tine73

It's crazy that they want retro-pay!

My office actually charges $40 a year for the admin fee!

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

I would be upset by this.

My office charges per request. So if you ask for copies of their records, etc. I think they charge per page, which to me seems fair.

I don't think a yearly fee for all patients whether they use it or not is fair. And IMO, it is absolutely ridiculous to ask for payment for previous years.

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

No way. That's crazy.

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

Posted by neener1211

Posted by Tine73

It's crazy that they want retro-pay!

My office actually charges $40 a year for the admin fee!

This is the first I'm ever hearing of an admin fee....you are the one filling out the paperwork for them. If nothing major changed, what could they possibly be charging $40 for? For them to type something in a computer?

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

I think it's pure balls for them to ask for it retroactively. A lot of doctors ask for fees for filling out forms, though. I've had doctors try to charge my clients $700-$800 for disability forms and a lot more for narrative reports. There are many more that charge by the page, and I don't object to a reasonable price per page, like $10-$15. It's their time and they get so many requests. I have never heard of pediatricians charging for it. This is a first. I might leave the practice over the retroactive thing or if they would not negotiate a fee for a family that has 3 kids.

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

I didn't get into it with a doctor or any of the higher up administration at the office. I was considering doing so next time I go since I think it's total BS about the retro. My DH did too and he's Mr. Fair and Square about everything. I wasn't even considering it an issue of them saying they won't treat the kids if the retro isn't paid. Honestly, if that was ever an implied on their end, I'd be out of there and hooked up with a new pediatrician the next day.

I fill out the forms myself only bc it's so easy to just get it signed on the spot when I need it and I have all the info handy anyway. Maybe I should make them work for their 10 bucks from now on. I really have no issue with the $10 going forward bc I know many offices are doing this and I'm not there to change their policy but just that retro $$ is stuck in my craw.

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

I get the admin fees.. just cause you fill out most of your paperwork doesnt mean other moms do... *shrug* $10 yearly is annoying and frustrating but not that bad to me..

Retro on the other hand.. HELLZ NO! You wanted it honey you should have told me about it back in 2007. If you told me about it then PROVE IT! no way in heck would I pay retro.

Protest! Protest! Protest!

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

my doctors charge a fee for paper work to be filled out think its $5 for camp forms and school papers but retro is not fair.

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

I understand the administrative fee, and the $10 is fine (although $10/kid is a touch obnoxious) but trying to get you to pay for the prior two years??? No way jose!!

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

Posted by KateDevine

I understand the administrative fee, and the $10 is fine (although $10/kid is a touch obnoxious) but trying to get you to pay for the prior two years??? No way jose!!

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

Posted by KateDevine

I understand the administrative fee, and the $10 is fine (although $10/kid is a touch obnoxious) but trying to get you to pay for the prior two years??? No way jose!!

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

I've heard a loto f pediatricians do this now. I love my pediatrician and would pay the fee but would not be happy. I do think it is crazy but if they get a high demand for these requests I guess I can see why they charge.

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

My drs office just started charging this fee $10 for each year...but they arent making me pay for years past. Id protest the previous yrs and just start with 2009.

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

I would refuse to pay retroactive. No way!

If you had owed them for 2 years, how come she is only telling you NOW after 2 years that you owe the money.

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

Wow, that is ballsy on their part!! My ped doesnt charge a fee for forms but I understand why they would, I guess, but for the last 2 years... hell no!! What would they do if you switched peds?? Send you a bill?

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

I can't believe that they didn't catch you earlier on this. I hear them tell everyone everytime I am there (everyone is always complaining about it). Not sure what I'd do...I know the policy, it has been posted there forever all over every room on every door, but yet why did they not bill you or mention it earlier that would irk me? It isn't like you haven't been there in the past 2 years.

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

I had the same problem, but I just owed for this year and last. I think it is totally ridiculous and I've considered switching offices because of it. I have a two year old what kind of paperwork will she be needing?? I was extremely pizzed about this and I tried complaining about the back payment but it fell on deaf ears so I just paid it.
If I were you I would try talking to someone there. That's a lot of money and I'm sure they can let you pass this one time.
just my opinion.

*edited since I wasn't aware that there were so many other offices that were charging this fee.

Message edited 3/19/2009 7:32:09 AM.

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

If they want to charge the retro fee, tell them that since your DC are so precious, THEY owe YOU $10/year for the last two years retroactively for the privilege of seeing your DC.....

"Oh, you don't see why you should pay that, especially since it's retroactive?..... hmmmm... sounds familiar...."

I don't think I'd have a problem with $10/year for the admin fees, it's the retro thing that bothers me, since you don't have an opportunity to make a decision about whether or not you want to pay the fee.

Re: RE: Pediatrician fee - would you pay this?

I don't agree with the retroactive fee but I would pay the yearly fee from this year forward.