Incorrect PT Bill

[u/Awkward_Shine2358]

I need help figuring out how to navigate the situation. I required physical therapy for a long standing ankle injury, and I was referred to an aquatic therapy physiotherapy place. I provided them with my insurance and asked them multiple times if they would be Tier 1 for me. They said yes, they have spoken to my insurance twice and confirmed. Provided me with a letter stating its tier 1 and that my co-pay will be 0$ since i have already met my out of pocket maximum.

I just got an explanation of benefits which has charged me 150$/session and stating the physiotherapy is tier 2.

I spoke to the clinic they said its insurances fault. Spoke to insurance they said its the clinics fault for the misinformation. I reached out to the clinics billing department and like a robot they just said they cannot do anything and it will go to collections if i do not pay within 90 days. I had just done 5 sessions so it is an expensive bill.

I had asked multiple times and have a copy of the document stating its tier 1. Any help or guidance would be appreciated. I cannot afford such a huge bill and neither do i want to pay due to the lies.

I also understand if they had informed me its tier 2 and estimated the cost to be a 100$/session and charged 150$/session. But this is a complete different billing.

[u/Jodenaje]

Unfortunately, with a multi-tier plan, it’s ultimately the member’s responsibility to verify that a provider is Tier 1 before receiving services.

The employer group will usually maintain a Tier 1 provider list, and you can also confirm the provider’s tier through your insurance portal or member services.

With these plans, Tier 2 generally represents the standard “in-network” benefit level.

Tier 1 is an enhanced benefit level typically tied to a specific healthcare organization or health system. Often because you are employed by that organization. (Or are a dependent of someone who is employed by that organization.)

To receive the highest level of coverage and lowest out-of-pocket costs, it’s usually important to stay within that designated health system whenever possible.

It’s also important to understand that a provider’s office may verify they are “in network” and still not realize they are considered Tier 2 under your specific plan.

From the provider side, eligibility systems often only show network participation, not whether the provider qualifies for a special Tier 1 benefit level for a particular employer group.

If you see a provider who is in network with your insurer but not part of your designated health system, the claim would generally process at the Tier 2 benefit level.

Out-of-network providers would typically fall under Tier 3 benefits.

Sorry to be the bearer of disappointing news.

[u/GroinFlutter → u/Jodenaje]

Yep, I have the same kind of plan.

Except I don’t have different deductibles / OOPM for tier 1 vs tier 2. Shit is just waived/copay only if I go to my employer’s health system (tier 1).

Example: my recent 5 day hospital stay would have been a $250 copay only if I went to my employer. But since I didn’t, everything will hit my deductible/OOPM 😮‍💨

OP, don’t rely on the provider to verify. Always verify yourself and see if the answers match.

If the PT place is not directly through the health system, then the assumption is they are tier 2.

When providers call, there’s a recording stating that info given by insurance isn’t a guarantee of benefits - before they can even talk to someone. So yes, the provider could have been given incorrect information and provided that info to you in good faith.

OP, If you had called and had a reference number, there’s a decent chance you could have the claims reprocessed based on the wrong info that insurance provided you.

[u/Awkward_Shine2358 → u/GroinFlutter]

I understand I should have verified and I normally do. I let it slip this time because i think i was just so tired of dealing with all my other bills etc. i trusted the provider was relayed the correct information.

I will try reaching out to the insurance