A patient's experience at a Mayo Clinic has highlighted a growing trend in hospitals requiring insured patients to pay upfront before receiving care. Thomas Zordani traveled from Denver to Phoenix for a consultation, believing the clinic was part of his insurer's network. He was told to make a $5,000 preservice deposit due to the clinic not accepting his insurance, despite having out-of-network benefits.

Zordani refused to pay and his appointment was canceled. Further details on this incident and the trend of hospitals requiring upfront payment are available from NBC Bay Area.