Now's the time people try to get in their annual physicals before the end of the year, many expecting them to be fully covered by insurance, but many times that is not the case, leading many patients down the frustrating path of medical coding.

Last summer, Ann Summerfield of Blaine went to a Health Partners clinic for an annual physical.

A typical exam, she says, spending no more than 15 minutes with the doctor. She says she was mindful not to bring any new concerns up for fear of being billed a separate visit.

Then the bill came.

“I couldn't breathe,” said Summerfield. “I am charged for three office visits... to the tune of $1,067.”

What appeared as a routine preventive health check that many believe is fully covered by insurance, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, quickly became a

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