Help Me Spend My $5000 Deductible Wisely

[tschifo]

Our insurance has a $5000 deductible. So, everything related to this pregnancy will be out of pocket until we meet that. I'm looking for ways to tell my doctor that we'd like to be as "cheap" (read "natural") as possible. For instance, I know the first thing I'll do is pee in a cup. Is that really, truly necessary? I just read the article about birthing in Holland, and would love to live in a culture who thinks like they do. The next thing we'll do is the ultrasound, basically confirming a heartbeat. I'd really like to skip that too.

Can anyone help me come up with a conversation dialogue that will help me to sound educated and prepared. I have no idea how much they will insist on these tests, but I'd like to be prepared if they put up a fight. I really don't want to feel like a bad mother.

[RoadWorkAhead]

I'm not good at eloquence, but FWIW, most insurance will only spring for a medically necessary U/S so I'd just ask if there is an absolute medical necessity for it. I don't plan to have one at all unless something major comes up. As for peeing in a cup, I do that, but I can tell you off the top of my head that my 2 tests performed late in pg that I saw bills for, GBS and something else, totaled right around 100$. I know there are parts that aren't necessary a second time around like blood typing, certain carrier testing, etc. Good luck!

[tschifo]

"Medically Necessary" Thanks. There's the key phrase I was looking for. sheesh! Has pregnancy brain already arrived? :

[Starfish11]

I hope you are successful in translating your needs to your healthcare provider Isn't it frustrating to discover that you have to meet these crazy deductibles?