Mature Life Features

Bocce aficionados meet at 11 a.m. poolside

Talk At Our Table . . .

. . . was interrupted

when the notorious gossip nearby

increased their decibel level to proclaim,

“I don’t want to say anything bad about (deleted)

but boy is this good.”

Get Doctor’s Opinion on Medical Fees

Whether or not you have health insurance, always ask your doctor if there is a fee involved when discussing any appointment, surgery, test, procedure, or any other arrangement being made to continue your treatment.

Follow-up appointments for such purposes as checking on proper healing of minor surgery or monitoring blood pressure can be chargeable but any fee might be avoided if the patient asks the doctor about any charge when the follow-up is discussed.

For example, follow-up visits after surgery normally is included in the surgeon’s original fee. But not all, so ask to avoid surprises.

The process has been complicated by the recent rise in telemedicine: internet contact with doctors by telephone and computer. In some cases, they’re covered by Medicare, Medicaid or supplemental insurance. In some cases, they are not, so you have to check with the doctor.