"Why Do I Have to Pay If I Have Insurance?" — Let’s Talk Deductibles!

Foot & Ankle Center
Apr 18
3 min read

What Is a Deductible—and Why Do I Have to Pay It at My Visit?

At Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa, we know that health insurance can be confusing. Terms like “deductible” and “copay” get tossed around a lot—but many patients aren’t quite sure what they actually mean for their care and their wallets.

Let’s break it down together, in simple terms.

Understanding the Deductible: Think of It Like a Bucket

Before your health insurance helps pay for care, there’s a set amount you have to pay first. This is called your deductible.

Imagine your deductible is like a bucket. Until it’s full, you’re responsible for paying your medical bills. Once the bucket is filled—meaning you’ve paid the full deductible—your insurance company starts helping with costs.

If your plan has a $1,000 deductible, you’ll pay the first $1,000 for covered services. After that, your plan kicks in to help pay for care.

Who Sets My Deductible?

This is an important point: your deductible is determined by your insurance plan, which is chosen by you or your employer. It’s not set by our clinic. It’s part of the agreement (contract) you or your employer have with your insurance provider.

Just like we do, you can view your deductible information directly by logging into your insurance company’s member portal or calling their customer service line.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Because insurance won’t begin covering your care until your deductible is met, we ask for deductible payments at the time of service. Here's what that typically looks like:

New patients: $150 toward your deductible.
Returning patients: $75 toward your deductible.
Copayments: These are also due at your visit and are determined by your insurance.

These payments go directly toward your bill and your deductible—not an extra fee.

What About Procedures or Surgery?

If your care involves a treatment or surgery, you may be asked to pay more depending on where you stand with your deductible:

In-clinic procedures: You may be asked to pay half the cost that day (up to your remaining deductible).
Surgery: We’ll provide an estimated cost for the portion owed to your surgeon. This amount is due at least 10 days before your surgery.

This does not include facility or anesthesia charges, which are billed separately.

Why We Collect Payments Up Front

We’re a small, locally owned clinic, and we’re proud of the care we provide. Asking for payment at the time of service helps us continue to offer the expert, personalized foot and ankle care our patients rely on.

We do not offer payment plans. However, you’re welcome to use a credit card and pay it off on your own timeline. Many patients find this to be a helpful option.

If your insurance ends up paying more than expected and you’ve overpaid, we will refund the difference promptly—usually within 30–90 days after your insurance processes the claim.

Not Ready to Pay Today?

No problem. If needed, we’re happy to reschedule your appointment for a time that works better for you.