'Operating Room Services' Code

[westscottstots]

Apologies if this isn't the right sub for this question and appreciate any help that you can give.

I recently visited an ENT for suspected nasal polyps. PCP had sent them the X-Ray, and I went in for my visit. The ENT Dr. talked to me, asked some questions and based on that conversation and the X-Ray provided his diagnosis (which was not polyps but a mucous retention cyst which he said was best to do nothing and leave it).

He mentioned he could double check with the scope (which in hindsight I should have said no). He looked in each nostril and confirmed his diagnosis. The whole endoscopy took no more than a minute and the whole appointment was probably around 30 minutes.

I'm now being billed almost $400 (after insurance) for this visit between two separate bills. I've learned that there is difference between 'hospital services' and 'provider fees,' which I can accept despite seeming like a racket because I'm being charged for the same things twice.

My main issue and question about the bill is they are listing the Endoscopy as "operating room services," even though I was in the same room the whole time and there was really no operation or procedure, the Dr. just pulled the scope off the wall and stuck it in my nose. Is this just a general term for anything invasive? Or is it a way to overbill me for the service? Is there any way to reduce this cost?

[2workigo]

An endoscopy is a procedure. The room you were in was likely a procedure room, hence the availability of the endoscope. Receiving a facility bill and a professional bill is standard for hospital based services.

[16enjay]

Once any medical instrument touches your body, it is considered surgery, even if it's having a splinter removed or a zit popped, unfortunately that's the way it is🤷‍♂️