You walk in for a consultation, and within 15 minutes, you are booked for surgery. The counselor smiles, hands you a brochure, and says, "Don't worry, it's a standard package."
But in Indian healthcare, "standard" is often code for "vague."
Patients assume the doctor will handle everything. But often, crucial details—like who is actually operating or what happens if insurance denies the claim—are buried in the fine print.
At HealAssist, we believe you shouldn't need a medical degree to avoid getting ripped off. Before you sign that consent form, look the administrator in the eye and ask these 5 questions.
Q1. "What exactly is included in this 'Package'? And what isn't?"
The Trap: Most hospitals quote a "Package Rate" (e.g., ₹45,000). You assume this covers everything. Then, on discharge day, you get a separate bill for:
Post-surgery eye drops (₹2,000+)
Protective dark glasses (₹500)
"Consumables" like gown and gloves (₹3,000)
Follow-up visits
The Fix: Ask specifically: "Does this cost include all pre-surgery tests, post-surgery medications for 1 week, and my first 2 follow-up visits?" If they say no, ask for the final estimate in writing.
Q2. "Which Machine Brand and Variant will be used?"
The Trap: The counselor tells you, "We use the latest American technology." That means nothing. It’s like a car dealer saying, "We will sell you a German car" are you getting a Mercedes or a 1990 Volkswagen?
The Fix: Don't settle for generic terms like "Robotic" or "Laser." Ask for the specific Brand and Model.
Example: "Are you using the Alcon Centurion or the Bausch + Lomb Stellaris?"
Why it matters: Older machines heat up the eye more, leading to slower healing. You are paying for the tech; make sure you get it.
Q3. "Will the Head Surgeon perform the surgery, or a Junior Doctor?"
The Trap: You pay a premium to consult the famous "Head of Department." But once you are sedated in the OT, a junior resident or a fellow might perform the critical steps of the surgery while the senior doctor "supervises."
The Fix: Ask bluntly: "Will Dr. Head be the one holding the instruments for the entire procedure?" Make it clear you are paying for their hands, not just their supervision.
Q4. "If Insurance is rejected due to a hospital error, who pays?"
The Trap: Sometimes, cashless claims are rejected because the hospital sent the wrong diagnosis code, delayed the paperwork, or missed a query deadline. The hospital then turns to you and says, "Sorry, insurance denied it. Please pay cash."
The Fix: Establish liability upfront. Ask: "If the TPA rejects the claim because of a clerical error or delay from the hospital's side, will you waive the charges?" Watch their reaction.
Q5. "If Insurance approves a lower amount, do I have to pay the difference?"
The Trap: Let's say the hospital package is ₹50,000. Your insurance approves only ₹42,000. The hospital asks you to pay the remaining ₹8,000.
The Fix: STOP. If the hospital is in your insurer's network (PPN/GIPSA), they have a signed MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) agreeing to standard rates. They cannot legally charge you the difference (unless it's a co-pay or non-medical item).
Ask: "If the approved amount is lower than your quote, will you accept the insurer's settlement as full and final payment?"
💡 Bonus Pro Tip: The "Weekend" Trap (Read Carefully)
Q6. "Do you have an active Insurance Desk on Saturday and Sunday?"
The Scenario: You get admitted on a Friday. You are ready for discharge on Saturday. But the hospital says, "Sorry, the insurance team hasn't sent the approval yet. You have to stay until Monday."
The Truth: Insurance companies and TPAs work 24/7. They process claims on weekends. The Real Problem: The Hospital's insurance desk staff has the weekend off.
The Result: You stay in the hospital for two extra days. You pay for two extra days of room rent, nursing, and meals. The hospital maximizes the bill.
The Strategy: Avoid scheduling planned surgeries on Fridays or Saturdays. If a weekend stay is unavoidable, pre-confirm that their TPA desk is active and can process discharges on Sundays.
Takeaway: Great vision shouldn't come with blind spots in your billing. A good hospital will answer these questions with confidence. A shady one will get defensive.
Don't want to fight these battles alone? HealAssist asks these questions for you. We verify the machine, lock the price, and handle the insurance negotiation.
👉 See the transparent Eye Care price list here: https://www.healassist.in/gurugram/user-journey/eye-care