NYC Mount Sinai: Pay or Dispute?

Hi!

I had a 15-minute video call with an endocrinologist at Mount Sinai. The consultation was a follow-up for an existing condition and to get a medication refill, as I recently moved from another state. Before the appointment, I submitted my insurance information and received an estimate of $440 with a deductible of $133.70. However, I was billed $660 with a deductible of $238.33. I realized that in the estimate, I was categorized as “99203 – new patient office or other outpatient visit, level 3,” but in the billing, it was changed to “99204 – new patient office or other outpatient visit, level 4.”

It’s been almost three months since the video call, and neither the billing department nor the doctor’s office has been able to clarify the billing discrepancy. I’ve spoken to several people on multiple occasions during these three months. I honestly don’t mind paying the amount; I’m not asking for a discount—I just want transparency regarding the bill. I believe it’s my right to understand what I’m paying for, but nobody seems able or willing to help.

So, do you recommend just paying the amount, avoiding Mount Sinai, finding another doctor, and moving on? Or is there another way that I haven’t considered to understand the billing?

submitted by /u/_beejazz
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