So my tennis elbow had been killing me for months, seriously messing up my tennis game. Finally decided to try that laser therapy everyone keeps yapping about. Here’s how I dug into the wallet-draining world of pricing.
First Step: Actually Calling Places
Grabbed my phone feeling hopeful, dialed like five different spots downtown. The first place? Flat out refused to give a number over the phone. “Gotta come in for a consultation,” they said. Like, dude, I just wanna know if I need to sell a kidney first.
Next spot actually gave me a range – anywhere from $60 to $175 per session. Okay, progress? Barely. That’s still friggin’ vague. One guy mumbled something about “packages” but wouldn’t email details, just kept saying “trust the process.” Yeah, no.
The Insurance Maze Dive
Then I tackled the insurance beast. Pulled out my policy documents – words blurring instantly. Found the section on physical therapy. Mostly saw copay amounts listed. Called my insurance company next. Spent 40 minutes on hold listening to elevator music.
Finally got someone who basically told me:
- “Maybe” covered under physical therapy benefits
- Depends on my specific diagnosis code from the doctor
- Also depends on their definition of “medically necessary”
- Oh, and the clinic needs to be in-network
Seriously? It’s laser therapy, not rocket science. How complicated can it be?
Getting the Doc Involved
Went to my doctor for the official diagnosis. Had to pay a copay just for that visit, obviously. Got the precious code – epicondylitis or whatever. With that golden ticket, tried the insurance dance again.
The next clinic was smarter. They ran a mock claim for me. Their treatment package? 10 sessions for $1500 total. After insurance supposedly paid? My responsibility dropped to about $450. Supposedly. Still felt like gambling with real money.
Almost pulled the trigger, then asked if the price included the consultation fee everyone seems to tack on. They went quiet for a second. “Oh, that’s separate,” they said. Another $150 just for them to tell me I need the laser. Unreal.
The Final Rude Awakening
Started treatments at a spot that quoted $75/session upfront, no insurance hassle. Seemed clean, therapist seemed to know her stuff. Did 4 sessions. Paid $300 out of pocket. Felt some relief. Got a call yesterday. Turns out they DID bill my insurance without telling me.
Insurance sent an EOB saying they covered nothing, leaving me responsible for the entire clinic rate – $190 per session! The clinic now wants $460 more because “per our agreement.” What agreement? Feels like a highway robbery setup.
So yeah, asking “how much” is like asking how deep the ocean is. Depends on where you’re standing, who you ask, and how much crap they’re dumping in it that month. Between surprise bills, useless insurance “help,” and clinics playing hide-the-cost, my elbow might heal before this financial nightmare ends.