I scheduled what was supposed to be a routine preventive visit, which should have been covered at no cost. Instead, I was surprised to receive an additional bill for nearly $200.
My time with the doctor was less than 15 minutes, and the experience felt rushed and unprofessional. When she entered the room, she was laughing with the interns and appeared distracted. She repeatedly looked at her phone, seemingly trying to review my medical history, but she did not appear to have the correct information. She asked me questions about services and procedures that were already documented in my chart, which made it seem like she had not reviewed my records before the appointment.
She also told me--twice--that I had gained 12 pounds. That was incorrect. I had actually lost 2 pounds. Having such basic information wrong further reduced my confidence that my medical record was being reviewed accurately.
When I called the office to ask why I received the additional charge, I was told it was because the doctor discussed medical conditions I already have. However, there were no changes to my treatment, no new concerns addressed, and no additional care provided beyond my routine preventive visit. I don't believe that brief discussion justified converting what I expected to be a bill-free preventive appointment into an additional charge of nearly $200.
Between the unexpected billing, the lack of preparation, and the inaccuracies during the appointment, I left feeling disappointed and frustrated. Patients deserve providers who come to appointments prepared, review their records in advance, and clearly explain any services that could result in additional charges before they are billed. read more
