We selected Dr. Spitalnick as our sons pediatrician in early 2020. Dr. Spitalnick first saw my son immediately after his birth on. During the course of his stay in the hospital, my son was examined daily by various partners from Dr. Spitalnick's practice, Pediatric Associates of Savannah.
On or about March 18, I received a bill from Pediatric Associates for the various hospital visits. The charges for these various visits were different and after my insurance paid, the office was claiming I owed $318.85, so I called the office on March 23 to get clarification about the different amounts. I spoke to "Dee" and asked for clarification. She was not able to provide me any additional information about why the visits were billed at different rates and just stated "that is what they charge" I advised "Dee" that I was more than happy to pay the balance but not without some clarification about the different amounts charged. She stated I would have to take it up with my insurance company, although I pointed out to her that I didn't have any issue with my insurance company, and I had the explanation of benefits showing what they paid. My concern was with the actual charges, not the insurance payout. I followed up with my insurance company and they confirmed what they paid and any billing/charge amount questions need to be addressed by the provider.
My son was seen by Dr. Spitalnick on for his two month wellness visit, given immunizations and a script for Nexium due to possible GERD. I asked at the front desk about any outstanding bills and was told my account was "all good," so I assumed the billing issue was addressed. We scheduled a 4 month follow up for May 28 at that time.
On May 15, 2020, my wife received a letter signed by Dr. Spitalnick dismissing us from his practice due to the "delinquency of our account." This is despite having received almost $1500 from my insurance. The letter also stated that a records release was enclosed to have Conor's records transferred to another provided. It was not. We did not received a records release until 6/5/2020.
To dismiss a 4 month old baby who is being treated for GERD less than two weeks before he is due to have immunizations during a global health crisis is beyond reprehensible. Dr. Spitalnick's conduct is below the standards of acceptable and prevailing practice. To date, we still have not received clarification as to why we were billed different amounts, nor were we given any indication that this billing dispute would result in us having to scramble to find a new pediatrician and keep my son on schedule for his immunizations. A cursory search of the internet shows dismissing patients seems to be standard practice for Dr. Spitalnick. Avoid at all costs! read more