<prompt> Human: I was looking for a doctor to look further into some abdominal pain Ive been having for a couple years now. I found this one placed that did this Thermographic Diagnostic Testing, which I thought would be useful. I called the office describing my issues and asking about this testing, and they told me which of their doctors would be best to see. I made sure to ask if they took my insurance lets call it Ins.. They said they did.On the day of the first appointment, they ask for my license and insurance card. They take it and give it back. They say Im good to go. I have the appointment, the doctor gives me a test to take home and send to a different lab 100 in and of itself. He tells me to come back in a month. I asked about the Thermographic Test, and he told me that it was mainly to check for breast cancer and wouldnt be helpful with my situation. Not entirely relevant to my problem, but it wouldve been nice to know that before I came...I come back a month later. They sign me in with no mention of any problems, and I wait for the doctor. After the appointment, when I go to the desk to check out, I thought I heard him say that it was 50. I pay. He hands me the receipt--- and it says it is 500!! Only then after a phone call, two appointments, and paying does he explain that there was an issue with insurance. He says there was a misunderstanding. The office takes Ins. Premium, but I only have plain old Ins. So they charged me extra for the last visit and then fully for this visit. Im really bad with confrontation, and I had already paid it. So I go home and call my parents in tears.I feel like this should be illegal. If they had told me they didnt take my insurance when I first called, or at my first visit, I never would have gone! Is there any case I have against them? Is there any way I can get my money back? I feel scammed.  <response>: Unfortunately theres a common misunderstanding among people that a doctordentist office, upon asking for your insurance, is guaranteeing they will accept your insurance. This isnt the case -- the front office will attempt to bill your insurance directly as a courtesy, but they do not know at the time whether or not your insurance will approve the claim. With insurance it is always your responsibility to ask for a list of what procedures or testing will be done, and call your insurer for approval ahead of time. Its a real pain in the ass, and one of the good things about certain HMO coverage, where your insurer is also your healthcare provider such as Kaiser Permanente.On the plus side here, its ambiguous whether the doctors office just didnt want to take your insurance, or whether your insurance denied the claim. You can still file a claim directly with your insurer and see if theyll cover it. 