A myriad of emotions hits me at 5:40pm tonight when we got alerted by text of the amount due for B’s procedure scheduled Tuesday morning… only 48 business hours away. Of course the total is due ASAP. B called a week ago to get an estimate and the clinic did not return the call. Most CPT codes for infertility and reproductive procedures require a pre-authorization. Regardless if we opt to utilize insurance $2500 is due now to keep the appointment.

Like most people our age, we just don’t have that money lying around (yes, we knew this process would be expensive). Of course, I had a game plan but nothing like clinics fumbling the last minute. Having a plan to cover last minute expenses is not the case for everyone and is truly doing a disservice to their patients. Like even if insurance covers some of it I know we’re not going to see that money again.

It’s funny, my co-worker, who is a friend messaged me today about IVF tax write offs and we must have been on the same wavelength as I was looking at that earlier in the day as well. So I guess that’s the positive. Typically, medical expenses over 7.5% of your AGI can be written off (follow up with your tax preparer or accountant). We’ll just have to keep an eye out for what that will look like next year when it is time to file. I know this is just a little irritating bump in the road in the grand scheme of things.

Update; February 9th, 2024:

So the dust has settled and today was better. Of course, we called to speak with the clinic regarding the billing and practices. It was explained that the self-pay option is utilized as a protective measure for the clinic and a claim can still be submitted to insurance. The surgery coordinator notes we have good insurance and for this procedure an authorization isn’t required. Do I believe that an authorization isn’t needed? Not one bit. Though we do have good insurance so I do believe they will cover some of the costs associated with the procedure. If there is a difference the clinic will reimburse us the difference. Now to see what next week brings.

-A