If I could leave a "Negative" rating I would. I went to visit for a specific problem. He basically ignored what I said and spent a couple minutes telling me that EVERYONE needs a colonoscopy. Go schedule one and we'll talk after that. 5 minutes MAX in exam room (most him telling me why I needed the above).
On way out, staff scheduled one for me. I called THAT AFTERNOON to cancel (thinking "Wait! I didn't go there for that!").
Then I get the bill. They coded it for an "extensive consultation" and the part _I_ am responsible for is over $300. They already PAID him $260. I call my insurance company to find out why I'm being billed so much. They say that that's the code for a "90 minute consultation with the doctor"???
I call his office thinking "Hmmm, they must have made a goof". After multiple calls trying to reach the Accounting "manager" (she never called me back, despite several messages)...
Oh no. I'm VERY pointedly told that they were inconvenienced by me canceling the appointment (3 weeks in advance?) and besides, they have to code for that type of visit or they just don't make enough money. Period.
"But I was only in exam room less than 5 minutes".
"{That doesn't matter - you either pay us in full or I will send you to collections}" This is paraphrased a little, but very accurate. I didn't yell or get upset (on the phone), but I was definitely stunned at how blatant it was.
I called the insurance company and was told that I could file a complaint/dispute. Based on asking around AND thinking that if they didn't keep lying they would be in deep water - hard to imagine them SUDDENLY admitting that they were wrong and easy for them to lie again about the visit - it was unlikely to end in my favor. And the doctor's office fully intended to send me to collections if I challenged it.
Not only is it illegal, it's unethical. While I'm sure the doctor could claim "I had no idea my staff did that", he's the owner and something this wrong is NOT something that should be happening behind his back (and HE is the one that benefits directly from it). With or without his knowledge, he's still responsible for it (though, that is my opinion).
Mind you the doctor was nice enough when I was there, but he didn't EVER address the reason I came in for the visit. I'd have to give him a solid B+ for his bedside manner, but a solid F for communication skills. Despite trying (twice) when he went off track, he just patronized me and repeated that everyone should get a colonoscopy...
And yes, despite trying to use logic and a calm voice the whole time (and MAN was she a snarky woman!), I ended up having to pay it to avoid going to collections. Though she was SO KIND and I was able to settle for only $100 more (wow! thank you SO much) just to get rid of the problem.
To say that I was pissed is an understatement. To say that I never went back is a given. To say that this was the WORST experience I've every had as a "customer" (not to mention a "patient") is so true that it's the first time I've EVER felt moved to write a review on Yelp.
To be honest, he might be a perfectly fine doctor, he never did any actual procedures on me, but "the office" is clearly not a place to do business.
BTW, I ended up visiting two other doctors for the same problem and even asked if a colonoscopy should be considered (without saying why I brought it up). Both basically laughed and said it was totally irrelevant.
Heck, I should give those doctors good reviews right now too! And damn, re-reading this review I realize it's pretty long. Sorry about that... read more