Opening an envelope from an international travel
insurer, I expected a check but found only a form letter containing a dozen
boxes, each listing a reason why payment was denied. An “X” through one box
revealed that I had not submitted my invoice on an HCFA-1500.
That’s the claim form American doctors send to
American health insurers. It’s complex, full of codes, questions, boxes, and
charges – far longer than my simple invoice. Despite this, it’s badly
organized. One must enter today’s date three times.
I found an HCFA form and filled it out, leaving many
cryptic questions blank, guessing answers where I wasn’t certain, and including
a fictional breakdown of services because I charge a flat fee. An American
insurance clerk would post it on the office bulletin board for general
amusement.
Two weeks later, a check arrived. Foreign insurers are not up to speed, but they’re trying.
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