Linda,

It seems to me that the hospital should charge for services at an appropriate
rate.  If the insurance co. does not reimburse, then the hospital can absorb
the charge so the client doesn't have to pay out of pocket.  But the more
insurance companies are billed and see this as an expense coming out of the
hospital, the more they will have to at least look at this and be familiar
with it.  And if some reimburse, then all the better.  Around here, the
pediatrician I worked with ALWAYS billed Medicaid for my services because
they always paid!  The other insurance companies didn't.  Go figure.  I'm
sure Alison H. will respond to this -- she's the resident expert on this
stuff.

But I say it needs to be billed.

Jan B.
Wheaton, IL