New Charge

Hi. I have had a Medtronic pacemaker since Dec 2015. I go to my Cardiologist every six months for a checkup. I see my cardiologist and another Dr takes readout from my Pacemaker. I have Medicare there is a $40 co pay to see the cardiologist no charge for taking the readout form the pacemaker. In between my visits every 90 days I make a transmission with a Medtronic MyCareLink I keep on my bedside table. My last transmit ion was on 14 Nov 2019. In December I got a bill from the cardiologist who read the transmission for $39.10 for a visit. It has never happened before. Has any one else been billed for reading a transmition? This is a first time for me.

2 Comments

Medigap vs Medicare Advantage

by Good Dog - 2020-02-07 15:48:01

I agree with Swangirl, but I can't speak directly to your situation. I have studied Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap Plans where I live. With the average annual amount my wife and I use Medicare annually, my out-of-pocket costs are much less with every Medigap Plan than they would be when compared to Medicare Advantage Plans. Honestly, I don't know why anyone would enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. The Advantage plans offer a bunch of extras that you don't get with Medigap, but if you use the plan very much, you pay dearly. Some of the Advantage Plans even offer no or very low monthly costs, but again, if you use it even a reasonable amount on an annual basis, you will end-up paying quite a bit out-of-pocket. Medicare Advantage Plans are great if you have low monthly costs and stay healthy and seldom need any care. Some folks I know swear by Medicare Advantage and love it, but the numbers just don't seem to add up for me.

The cost, availability and coverage of Medicare Advantage plans can vary a lot depending upon your location. Medigap Plans have the same standardized coverage (benefits) for each lettter category. There are only ten Medigap plans available in amost every state. Some states don't offer all ten, but most do. The plans are identified by a letter as Swangirl indicated. i.e. Plan F or Plan G as an example. 

One last thing; I know that trying to compare Medicare Advantage Plans to Medigap can make you google eyed as it can get really confusing. However, it may be worth spending some time investigating your options.

transmission interpretation bills

by islandgirl - 2020-02-11 17:28:51

My EP bills my insurance quarterly.  I send transmissions once a week and he often downloads other times of the week or month.  Flat fee for him reading it.  Medicare, I can't help you with that yet......  Not sure what he charges, but the copay quarterly is what I pay for an office visit.  

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I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.