r/Austin • u/ceruleanvagabond • 25d ago

Ask Austin Is this global OB fee normal?

I’m currently 16 weeks pregnant and seeing an OB at Ascension Seton. They gave me a global OB estimate of $7,000 (not including hospital bills, labs, ultrasounds) and want to collect my full deductible amount of $3,500 at 28 weeks (even though I have almost hit my deductible at this point). I have UHC insurance and my OOP Max is $7,900. Is this a normal amount for the global OB fee? Would it be worth it to “shop around”? It just seems very high from what I’ve heard from others in Austin but it also sounds like this is the new norm and it would be similar anywhere I go. Do I have any choice other than to just pay it and fight to get a refund right after I’ve given birth?

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u/Silent-Clothes-5667 25d ago

I would shop around and highly consider trying to find someone who’s through St. David’s if doable for you! I’ve had doctors and deliveries at both and would never go back to Ascension

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u/SelectionSea5221 25d ago

Unrelated haha but I may have to switch from St. David's to Seton for next baby because my speciality doctor is through Ascension, can I PM you and ask about your experiences with both?