These expenses include payments for the care you receive at each doctor visit such as a physical examination or check-up. Many plans require that you pay a fee, called a co-payment or “co-pay,” each time you visit the doctor. The amount of the co-pay is set by the insurance company, not the provider. There may be a separate payment needed for each laboratory test, such as a blood or urine test that is done during your appointment. An insurance company representative will be able to tell you your co-pay amount, and it may be printed on your insurance card. Your insurance company may require different co-pay amounts for primary care physicians versus specialists. An oncologist is usually considered a specialist.
Questions for your insurance company representative or health care team
- Do I have a co-pay for each physician visit?
- If I have a co-pay, how much is it?
- If I see someone other than the physician (such as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner), do I still have to pay the co-pay?
- When is the co-payment due? At the time of the visit? Or will I be billed later?
- Is there the possibility of getting a co-pay waiver if I’m making multiple trips to see the physician?
- Will I be billed separately for tests and scans such as blood tests and CAT cans?
- Will laboratory tests be covered by my insurance?
Questions for your health care team
- What is your policy when referring to other physicians or facilities?
- Do you routinely check to see if the person or facility you’re referring to is a preferred provider with my insurance plan, or is that my responsibility?