Re: HELP!!!! I GOT SCREWED BY MY CLINIC!!!!!!

[Guest guest]

Responding in this manner below will only put up barricades and create animosity with the office staff. Write a letter address to your doctor (personal), the office cannot open personal mail. Also Ask to speak to an office manager, if This person is the office manager, then try to talk calmly to her, and if you have to, Contact your bank and let them know you have been a victim of bank fraud.

Dorren

Print out the email....go to the office while everyone is there.

Slapit down on her desk and tell her your not paying and walk out.

[Guest guest]

Print out the email....go to the office while everyone is there.

Slapit down on her desk and tell her your not paying and walk out.

Next time you have an appt talk to your doc about it.

dak

>

> HELP!!!!!!!!!!

>

> I AM SO UPSET!!!!!!!!! I JUST CHECKED MY ACCOUNT BALANCE ONLINE AND SAW A

> CHARGE FOR $160 FOR AN " OFFICE VISIT " FROM WHEN I CALLED IN TO REQUEST FOR A

> REFILL ON MY MEDS.

>

> EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT ACTUALLY GO TO THE OFFICE, THEY ALWAYS CHARGE ME A $65

> " OFFICE VISIT " FEE FOR REFILLS (WHICH IS ALREADY WAYYYYY MORE THAN WHAT I

> CAN AFFORD ON TOP OF THE COSTS OF THE MEDS)

>

> --- ANYWAY, I CALLED THE CLINIC TO INQUIRE WHAT THIS $160 CHARGE IS FOR -

> THE RECEPTIONIST SAID IT WAS FOR 2 " OFFICE VISITS "

>

> i have an email from my doc in which he waved my office visit fee for that

> previous refill call -- but THE RECEPTIONIST WONT BACK DOWN!!!! SHE WONT

> EVEN LET ME SPEAK TO THE DOCTOR OR ALLOW ME TO FORWARD HER THE EMAIL FROM

> THE DOCTOR IN WHICH HE SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT HE WILL LET ME SLIDE " just

> this once " ON THIS OFFICE FEE TO PROVE IT TO HER!!!!

>

> I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. THIS IS MONEY I CAN'T AFFORD - I'M SCARED AND HAVE

> NO IDEA HOW I CAN FIGHT THIS! PLEASE, DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT I CAN DO?? I'M

> ALREADY SO STRETCHED THIN WITH MONEY AND TIME TO DEAL WITH THIS!! IF I CAN'T

> GET THEM TO CORRECT THIS, I AM GOING TO BE IN BIG TROUBLE!!!!

>

> Sorry....... I'm so devistated... I know it doesnt sound like much money....

> but, it's EVERYTHING to me.

>

> help...?!

>

> Jaana

>

>

>

>

> 1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone on the list

> as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls always check with your

> dr. Some treatments are dangerous when given along with other meds as well

> as to certain health conditions or just dangerous in general.

>

> 2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it is) pls

> don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to trying to make

> that situation better.

>

>

> Have a nice day everyone.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Um...I have NEVER had a doctors office charge me for calling in a refill request. Is that even LEGAL?

http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/

Please spay/neuter your pets!

EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT ACTUALLY GO TO THE OFFICE, THEY ALWAYS CHARGE ME A $65 "OFFICE VISIT" FEE FOR REFILLS (WHICH IS ALREADY WAYYYYY MORE THAN WHAT I CAN AFFORD ON TOP OF THE COSTS OF THE MEDS)

[Guest guest]

Um...I have NEVER had a doctors office charge me for calling in a refill request. Is that even LEGAL?

http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/

Please spay/neuter your pets!

EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT ACTUALLY GO TO THE OFFICE, THEY ALWAYS CHARGE ME A $65 "OFFICE VISIT" FEE FOR REFILLS (WHICH IS ALREADY WAYYYYY MORE THAN WHAT I CAN AFFORD ON TOP OF THE COSTS OF THE MEDS)

[Guest guest]

how do i find out if this is legal...? it's been this way for 2 yrs - and i rarely ever actually TALK or SEE the doctor (i only saw him twice 2 yrs ago, and only 1 more time since then) (and once in the parkinglot of a store)

DAK: it's a 180 mile trip to his clinic which i can't handle (physically & gas) to go over there very often -- the "office visit" charge is taken automatically out of my credit card account when i call for refills. -- i dont know what to do, but i really need this to be corrected!!! i paid my rent and almost all bills and now i have only $23 left to survive on until if/when i get another bail call - and still will get charged auto-billpay for car insurance out of my checking account and that will bounce now because of this unexpected charge.

I FEEL SO HOPELESS HERE!!!!!!!! THIS SEEMS SO UNFAIR - HALF OF MY MONTHLY WAGES GOES TOWARDS DR BILLS AND MEDS -- I FEEL LIKE IM DROWNING OUT HERE

[Guest guest]

how do i find out if this is legal...? it's been this way for 2 yrs - and i rarely ever actually TALK or SEE the doctor (i only saw him twice 2 yrs ago, and only 1 more time since then) (and once in the parkinglot of a store)

DAK: it's a 180 mile trip to his clinic which i can't handle (physically & gas) to go over there very often -- the "office visit" charge is taken automatically out of my credit card account when i call for refills. -- i dont know what to do, but i really need this to be corrected!!! i paid my rent and almost all bills and now i have only $23 left to survive on until if/when i get another bail call - and still will get charged auto-billpay for car insurance out of my checking account and that will bounce now because of this unexpected charge.

I FEEL SO HOPELESS HERE!!!!!!!! THIS SEEMS SO UNFAIR - HALF OF MY MONTHLY WAGES GOES TOWARDS DR BILLS AND MEDS -- I FEEL LIKE IM DROWNING OUT HERE

[Guest guest]

The pain specialist I was seeing was focusing on the herniated discs

in my neck. His wife told me she would reduce the charges to $2400

since I didn't have medical insurance and said I needed to pay $100

a month. I agreed. I got a bill last week for the balance I owed

them which was $1090. My brain gets so fuzzed up it's unreal, but

bottom line I screwed up my checking account. They called me and

told me a check for $200 had been returned plus a $25 check fee. I

went and got the cash the same day but when I got there the woman at

the front desk was just livid. She said the check was locked in the

bosses wife's office and she couldn't get to PLUS the fact I had to

pay the balance of $5,665 immediately!! I was floored! I told her

I hadn't agreed to anything of the sort and she said she had gotten

and I quote " Mrs. **** chewed my butt out royally over this " and I

told her I would be sending a cashier's check for the returned check

because it was too stressful for me to stand there and argue with

her - and I did only I sent them a money order.

Today I got a letter telling me I have to pay the $5,665 within 14

days or I will be turned over for legal action!! These folks are

(please don't take this wrong) from Iran or someplace like that and

she is the absolute most penny pinching individual I have EVER

encountered!! She stands over the procedure room on Thursdays like

a mother hen just hovering over every little thing that takes

place. Is that legal????? And I feel helpless here too. I do have

a prepaid legal service that is looking into it and if necessary I

will report him to the medical board.

Who ARE these people?????????????

> Messagehow do i find out if this is legal...? it's been this way

for 2 yrs - and i rarely ever actually TALK or SEE the doctor (i

only saw him twice 2 yrs ago, and only 1 more time since then) (and

once in the parkinglot of a store)

>

> DAK: it's a 180 mile trip to his clinic which i can't handle

(physically & gas) to go over there very often -- the " office visit "

charge is taken automatically out of my credit card account when i

call for refills. -- i dont know what to do, but i really need this

to be corrected!!! i paid my rent and almost all bills and now i

have only $23 left to survive on until if/when i get another bail

call - and still will get charged auto-billpay for car insurance out

of my checking account and that will bounce now because of this

unexpected charge.

>

> I FEEL SO HOPELESS HERE!!!!!!!! THIS SEEMS SO UNFAIR - HALF OF MY

MONTHLY WAGES GOES TOWARDS DR BILLS AND MEDS -- I FEEL LIKE IM

DROWNING OUT HERE

[Guest guest]

The pain specialist I was seeing was focusing on the herniated discs

in my neck. His wife told me she would reduce the charges to $2400

since I didn't have medical insurance and said I needed to pay $100

a month. I agreed. I got a bill last week for the balance I owed

them which was $1090. My brain gets so fuzzed up it's unreal, but

bottom line I screwed up my checking account. They called me and

told me a check for $200 had been returned plus a $25 check fee. I

went and got the cash the same day but when I got there the woman at

the front desk was just livid. She said the check was locked in the

bosses wife's office and she couldn't get to PLUS the fact I had to

pay the balance of $5,665 immediately!! I was floored! I told her

I hadn't agreed to anything of the sort and she said she had gotten

and I quote " Mrs. **** chewed my butt out royally over this " and I

told her I would be sending a cashier's check for the returned check

because it was too stressful for me to stand there and argue with

her - and I did only I sent them a money order.

Today I got a letter telling me I have to pay the $5,665 within 14

days or I will be turned over for legal action!! These folks are

(please don't take this wrong) from Iran or someplace like that and

she is the absolute most penny pinching individual I have EVER

encountered!! She stands over the procedure room on Thursdays like

a mother hen just hovering over every little thing that takes

place. Is that legal????? And I feel helpless here too. I do have

a prepaid legal service that is looking into it and if necessary I

will report him to the medical board.

Who ARE these people?????????????

> Messagehow do i find out if this is legal...? it's been this way

for 2 yrs - and i rarely ever actually TALK or SEE the doctor (i

only saw him twice 2 yrs ago, and only 1 more time since then) (and

once in the parkinglot of a store)

>

> DAK: it's a 180 mile trip to his clinic which i can't handle

(physically & gas) to go over there very often -- the " office visit "

charge is taken automatically out of my credit card account when i

call for refills. -- i dont know what to do, but i really need this

to be corrected!!! i paid my rent and almost all bills and now i

have only $23 left to survive on until if/when i get another bail

call - and still will get charged auto-billpay for car insurance out

of my checking account and that will bounce now because of this

unexpected charge.

>

> I FEEL SO HOPELESS HERE!!!!!!!! THIS SEEMS SO UNFAIR - HALF OF MY

MONTHLY WAGES GOES TOWARDS DR BILLS AND MEDS -- I FEEL LIKE IM

DROWNING OUT HERE

[Guest guest]

Jaana, if you have the Doctor's email address, I would suggest sending

him an email message and detailing what you just told us. That way you

completely by-pass the Receptionist.

N.

> HELP!!!!!!!!!!

>

> I AM SO UPSET!!!!!!!!! I JUST CHECKED MY ACCOUNT BALANCE ONLINE AND

SAW A CHARGE FOR $160 FOR AN " OFFICE VISIT " FROM WHEN I CALLED IN TO

REQUEST FOR A REFILL ON MY MEDS.

>

> EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT ACTUALLY GO TO THE OFFICE, THEY ALWAYS CHARGE

ME A $65 " OFFICE VISIT " FEE FOR REFILLS (WHICH IS ALREADY WAYYYYY MORE

THAN WHAT I CAN AFFORD ON TOP OF THE COSTS OF THE MEDS)

>

> --- ANYWAY, I CALLED THE CLINIC TO INQUIRE WHAT THIS $160 CHARGE IS

FOR - THE RECEPTIONIST SAID IT WAS FOR 2 " OFFICE VISITS "

>

> i have an email from my doc in which he waved my office visit fee

for that previous refill call -- but THE RECEPTIONIST WONT BACK

DOWN!!!! SHE WONT EVEN LET ME SPEAK TO THE DOCTOR OR ALLOW ME TO

FORWARD HER THE EMAIL FROM THE DOCTOR IN WHICH HE SPECIFICALLY STATES

THAT HE WILL LET ME SLIDE " just this once " ON THIS OFFICE FEE TO PROVE

IT TO HER!!!!

>

> I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. THIS IS MONEY I CAN'T AFFORD - I'M SCARED

AND HAVE NO IDEA HOW I CAN FIGHT THIS! PLEASE, DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT

I CAN DO?? I'M ALREADY SO STRETCHED THIN WITH MONEY AND TIME TO DEAL

WITH THIS!! IF I CAN'T GET THEM TO CORRECT THIS, I AM GOING TO BE IN

BIG TROUBLE!!!!

>

> Sorry....... I'm so devistated... I know it doesnt sound like much

money.... but, it's EVERYTHING to me.

>

> help...?!

>

> Jaana

[Guest guest]

Jaana, if you have the Doctor's email address, I would suggest sending

him an email message and detailing what you just told us. That way you

completely by-pass the Receptionist.

N.

> HELP!!!!!!!!!!

>

> I AM SO UPSET!!!!!!!!! I JUST CHECKED MY ACCOUNT BALANCE ONLINE AND

SAW A CHARGE FOR $160 FOR AN " OFFICE VISIT " FROM WHEN I CALLED IN TO

REQUEST FOR A REFILL ON MY MEDS.

>

> EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT ACTUALLY GO TO THE OFFICE, THEY ALWAYS CHARGE

ME A $65 " OFFICE VISIT " FEE FOR REFILLS (WHICH IS ALREADY WAYYYYY MORE

THAN WHAT I CAN AFFORD ON TOP OF THE COSTS OF THE MEDS)

>

> --- ANYWAY, I CALLED THE CLINIC TO INQUIRE WHAT THIS $160 CHARGE IS

FOR - THE RECEPTIONIST SAID IT WAS FOR 2 " OFFICE VISITS "

>

> i have an email from my doc in which he waved my office visit fee

for that previous refill call -- but THE RECEPTIONIST WONT BACK

DOWN!!!! SHE WONT EVEN LET ME SPEAK TO THE DOCTOR OR ALLOW ME TO

FORWARD HER THE EMAIL FROM THE DOCTOR IN WHICH HE SPECIFICALLY STATES

THAT HE WILL LET ME SLIDE " just this once " ON THIS OFFICE FEE TO PROVE

IT TO HER!!!!

>

> I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. THIS IS MONEY I CAN'T AFFORD - I'M SCARED

AND HAVE NO IDEA HOW I CAN FIGHT THIS! PLEASE, DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT

I CAN DO?? I'M ALREADY SO STRETCHED THIN WITH MONEY AND TIME TO DEAL

WITH THIS!! IF I CAN'T GET THEM TO CORRECT THIS, I AM GOING TO BE IN

BIG TROUBLE!!!!

>

> Sorry....... I'm so devistated... I know it doesnt sound like much

money.... but, it's EVERYTHING to me.

>

> help...?!

>

> Jaana

[Guest guest]

Jaana, if you have the Doctor's email address, I would suggest sending

him an email message and detailing what you just told us. That way you

completely by-pass the Receptionist.

N.

> HELP!!!!!!!!!!

>

> I AM SO UPSET!!!!!!!!! I JUST CHECKED MY ACCOUNT BALANCE ONLINE AND

SAW A CHARGE FOR $160 FOR AN " OFFICE VISIT " FROM WHEN I CALLED IN TO

REQUEST FOR A REFILL ON MY MEDS.

>

> EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT ACTUALLY GO TO THE OFFICE, THEY ALWAYS CHARGE

ME A $65 " OFFICE VISIT " FEE FOR REFILLS (WHICH IS ALREADY WAYYYYY MORE

THAN WHAT I CAN AFFORD ON TOP OF THE COSTS OF THE MEDS)

>

> --- ANYWAY, I CALLED THE CLINIC TO INQUIRE WHAT THIS $160 CHARGE IS

FOR - THE RECEPTIONIST SAID IT WAS FOR 2 " OFFICE VISITS "

>

> i have an email from my doc in which he waved my office visit fee

for that previous refill call -- but THE RECEPTIONIST WONT BACK

DOWN!!!! SHE WONT EVEN LET ME SPEAK TO THE DOCTOR OR ALLOW ME TO

FORWARD HER THE EMAIL FROM THE DOCTOR IN WHICH HE SPECIFICALLY STATES

THAT HE WILL LET ME SLIDE " just this once " ON THIS OFFICE FEE TO PROVE

IT TO HER!!!!

>

> I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO. THIS IS MONEY I CAN'T AFFORD - I'M SCARED

AND HAVE NO IDEA HOW I CAN FIGHT THIS! PLEASE, DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT

I CAN DO?? I'M ALREADY SO STRETCHED THIN WITH MONEY AND TIME TO DEAL

WITH THIS!! IF I CAN'T GET THEM TO CORRECT THIS, I AM GOING TO BE IN

BIG TROUBLE!!!!

>

> Sorry....... I'm so devistated... I know it doesnt sound like much

money.... but, it's EVERYTHING to me.

>

> help...?!

>

> Jaana

[Guest guest]

I guess you could call the AMA? I found this article online:

According to Anthem's spokeswoman, Sharon Hall, access fees violate the insurer's provider contracts because doctors are charging patients for services that are already covered. "Our physician agreements say that, other than coinsurance or copays, physicians may not charge anything except for medical service fees." How about requiring patients who don't pay fees to come into the office for refills? "That's discrimination," says Hall. "Under our contracts, you cannot discriminate on the medical care you give a patient, based on form of payment." Aetna also prohibits administrative fees. "We consider these administrative services part and parcel of the general practice of medicine," says GP A. Cross, national medical director and head of medical policy for Aetna. "Reimbursement is covered under the codes that doctors submit for procedures or E & M services." The only services Aetna reimburses physicians for, notes Cross, involve "direct interaction with the patient in their presence." Does Aetna require physicians to perform any nonvisit services? No, says Cross; but if they don't, they can be dropped for providing poor-quality care or poor service. Despite the gruff talk, Cross doesn't know of any physicians Aetna has booted out because of administrative fees. Similarly, in Washington state, Premera Blue Cross and Regence BlueShield say they don't want members to be charged for services already included in visit fees. But they haven't taken action against doctors who levy access charges. "We've struggled with the best way to do right by our members and still keep an adequate network of providers," notes Ellison, director of public policy and government programs for Regence BlueShield. Meanwhile, the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner in Washington is looking into the issues of both access fees and concierge practices, which have existed in the state for several years. The office regards concierge fees as legal because they affect only a portion of patients in a practice, says Beth Berendt, deputy insurance commissioner. But in recent years, she says, her office has observed a burst of access fees. "We're seeing more and more practices exploring this, because reimbursement rates are not increasing, and physicians are trying to increase revenue." Berendt believes mandatory access fees violate most provider contracts, which in Washington and most other states are required to contain provisions that bar balance billing. But she says it might be okay to charge fees for extra services, like e-mail consults and newsletters, as long as they're voluntary and patients still have unfettered access to their physicians.

I would definitely call your cc company and tell them you have a letter from your doctor stating you would not be charged two fees. They should reimburse you and then go after the office for the money.

http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/

Please spay/neuter your pets!

how do i find out if this is legal...? it's been this way for 2 yrs - and i rarely ever actually TALK or SEE the doctor (i only saw him twice 2 yrs ago, and only 1 more time since then) (and once in the parkinglot of a store)

[Guest guest]

I guess you could call the AMA? I found this article online:

According to Anthem's spokeswoman, Sharon Hall, access fees violate the insurer's provider contracts because doctors are charging patients for services that are already covered. "Our physician agreements say that, other than coinsurance or copays, physicians may not charge anything except for medical service fees." How about requiring patients who don't pay fees to come into the office for refills? "That's discrimination," says Hall. "Under our contracts, you cannot discriminate on the medical care you give a patient, based on form of payment." Aetna also prohibits administrative fees. "We consider these administrative services part and parcel of the general practice of medicine," says GP A. Cross, national medical director and head of medical policy for Aetna. "Reimbursement is covered under the codes that doctors submit for procedures or E & M services." The only services Aetna reimburses physicians for, notes Cross, involve "direct interaction with the patient in their presence." Does Aetna require physicians to perform any nonvisit services? No, says Cross; but if they don't, they can be dropped for providing poor-quality care or poor service. Despite the gruff talk, Cross doesn't know of any physicians Aetna has booted out because of administrative fees. Similarly, in Washington state, Premera Blue Cross and Regence BlueShield say they don't want members to be charged for services already included in visit fees. But they haven't taken action against doctors who levy access charges. "We've struggled with the best way to do right by our members and still keep an adequate network of providers," notes Ellison, director of public policy and government programs for Regence BlueShield. Meanwhile, the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner in Washington is looking into the issues of both access fees and concierge practices, which have existed in the state for several years. The office regards concierge fees as legal because they affect only a portion of patients in a practice, says Beth Berendt, deputy insurance commissioner. But in recent years, she says, her office has observed a burst of access fees. "We're seeing more and more practices exploring this, because reimbursement rates are not increasing, and physicians are trying to increase revenue." Berendt believes mandatory access fees violate most provider contracts, which in Washington and most other states are required to contain provisions that bar balance billing. But she says it might be okay to charge fees for extra services, like e-mail consults and newsletters, as long as they're voluntary and patients still have unfettered access to their physicians.

I would definitely call your cc company and tell them you have a letter from your doctor stating you would not be charged two fees. They should reimburse you and then go after the office for the money.

http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/

Please spay/neuter your pets!

how do i find out if this is legal...? it's been this way for 2 yrs - and i rarely ever actually TALK or SEE the doctor (i only saw him twice 2 yrs ago, and only 1 more time since then) (and once in the parkinglot of a store)

[Guest guest]

I guess you could call the AMA? I found this article online:

According to Anthem's spokeswoman, Sharon Hall, access fees violate the insurer's provider contracts because doctors are charging patients for services that are already covered. "Our physician agreements say that, other than coinsurance or copays, physicians may not charge anything except for medical service fees." How about requiring patients who don't pay fees to come into the office for refills? "That's discrimination," says Hall. "Under our contracts, you cannot discriminate on the medical care you give a patient, based on form of payment." Aetna also prohibits administrative fees. "We consider these administrative services part and parcel of the general practice of medicine," says GP A. Cross, national medical director and head of medical policy for Aetna. "Reimbursement is covered under the codes that doctors submit for procedures or E & M services." The only services Aetna reimburses physicians for, notes Cross, involve "direct interaction with the patient in their presence." Does Aetna require physicians to perform any nonvisit services? No, says Cross; but if they don't, they can be dropped for providing poor-quality care or poor service. Despite the gruff talk, Cross doesn't know of any physicians Aetna has booted out because of administrative fees. Similarly, in Washington state, Premera Blue Cross and Regence BlueShield say they don't want members to be charged for services already included in visit fees. But they haven't taken action against doctors who levy access charges. "We've struggled with the best way to do right by our members and still keep an adequate network of providers," notes Ellison, director of public policy and government programs for Regence BlueShield. Meanwhile, the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner in Washington is looking into the issues of both access fees and concierge practices, which have existed in the state for several years. The office regards concierge fees as legal because they affect only a portion of patients in a practice, says Beth Berendt, deputy insurance commissioner. But in recent years, she says, her office has observed a burst of access fees. "We're seeing more and more practices exploring this, because reimbursement rates are not increasing, and physicians are trying to increase revenue." Berendt believes mandatory access fees violate most provider contracts, which in Washington and most other states are required to contain provisions that bar balance billing. But she says it might be okay to charge fees for extra services, like e-mail consults and newsletters, as long as they're voluntary and patients still have unfettered access to their physicians.

I would definitely call your cc company and tell them you have a letter from your doctor stating you would not be charged two fees. They should reimburse you and then go after the office for the money.

http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/

Please spay/neuter your pets!

how do i find out if this is legal...? it's been this way for 2 yrs - and i rarely ever actually TALK or SEE the doctor (i only saw him twice 2 yrs ago, and only 1 more time since then) (and once in the parkinglot of a store)

[Guest guest]

thanx jennifer... boy, u sure know how to find info QUICK!!!!! i just got off the phone w/ dept of commerce & consumer affairs - they said Dr is allowed to charge office visit fees (even if there is no office visit) so long as those terms have already been made known to patient. HOWEVER, this doesn't help my problem with the double charge.... and it's charged to my checking account (debit card) - not cc...

i dunno... im so flustered right now... and just got 2 bail calls and have to run out the door now. no time to work on this problem today. (but will make some income to get me thru the weekend - phew....)

big hawaiian hugs and smoooches to you 4 all your help and efforts - u r an angel!

love,

jaana

RE: Re: HELP!!!! I GOT SCREWED BY MY CLINIC!!!!!!

I guess you could call the AMA? I found this article online:

According to Anthem's spokeswoman, Sharon Hall, access fees violate the insurer's provider contracts because doctors are charging patients for services that are already covered. "Our physician agreements say that, other than coinsurance or copays, physicians may not charge anything except for medical service fees." How about requiring patients who don't pay fees to come into the office for refills? "That's discrimination," says Hall. "Under our contracts, you cannot discriminate on the medical care you give a patient, based on form of payment." Aetna also prohibits administrative fees. "We consider these administrative services part and parcel of the general practice of medicine," says GP A. Cross, national medical director and head of medical policy for Aetna. "Reimbursement is covered under the codes that doctors submit for procedures or E & M services." The only services Aetna reimburses physicians for, notes Cross, involve "direct interaction with the patient in their presence." Does Aetna require physicians to perform any nonvisit services? No, says Cross; but if they don't, they can be dropped for providing poor-quality care or poor service. Despite the gruff talk, Cross doesn't know of any physicians Aetna has booted out because of administrative fees. Similarly, in Washington state, Premera Blue Cross and Regence BlueShield say they don't want members to be charged for services already included in visit fees. But they haven't taken action against doctors who levy access charges. "We've struggled with the best way to do right by our members and still keep an adequate network of providers," notes Ellison, director of public policy and government programs for Regence BlueShield. Meanwhile, the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner in Washington is looking into the issues of both access fees and concierge practices, which have existed in the state for several years. The office regards concierge fees as legal because they affect only a portion of patients in a practice, says Beth Berendt, deputy insurance commissioner. But in recent years, she says, her office has observed a burst of access fees. "We're seeing more and more practices exploring this, because reimbursement rates are not increasing, and physicians are trying to increase revenue." Berendt believes mandatory access fees violate most provider contracts, which in Washington and most other states are required to contain provisions that bar balance billing. But she says it might be okay to charge fees for extra services, like e-mail consults and newsletters, as long as they're voluntary and patients still have unfettered access to their physicians.

I would definitely call your cc company and tell them you have a letter from your doctor stating you would not be charged two fees. They should reimburse you and then go after the office for the money.

http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/

Please spay/neuter your pets!

how do i find out if this is legal...? it's been this way for 2 yrs - and i rarely ever actually TALK or SEE the doctor (i only saw him twice 2 yrs ago, and only 1 more time since then) (and once in the parkinglot of a store)

1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone on the list as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls always check with your dr. Some treatments are dangerous when given along with other meds as well as to certain health conditions or just dangerous in general.2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it is) pls don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to trying to make that situation better.Have a nice day everyone.

[Guest guest]

thanx jennifer... boy, u sure know how to find info QUICK!!!!! i just got off the phone w/ dept of commerce & consumer affairs - they said Dr is allowed to charge office visit fees (even if there is no office visit) so long as those terms have already been made known to patient. HOWEVER, this doesn't help my problem with the double charge.... and it's charged to my checking account (debit card) - not cc...

i dunno... im so flustered right now... and just got 2 bail calls and have to run out the door now. no time to work on this problem today. (but will make some income to get me thru the weekend - phew....)

big hawaiian hugs and smoooches to you 4 all your help and efforts - u r an angel!

love,

jaana

RE: Re: HELP!!!! I GOT SCREWED BY MY CLINIC!!!!!!

I guess you could call the AMA? I found this article online:

According to Anthem's spokeswoman, Sharon Hall, access fees violate the insurer's provider contracts because doctors are charging patients for services that are already covered. "Our physician agreements say that, other than coinsurance or copays, physicians may not charge anything except for medical service fees." How about requiring patients who don't pay fees to come into the office for refills? "That's discrimination," says Hall. "Under our contracts, you cannot discriminate on the medical care you give a patient, based on form of payment." Aetna also prohibits administrative fees. "We consider these administrative services part and parcel of the general practice of medicine," says GP A. Cross, national medical director and head of medical policy for Aetna. "Reimbursement is covered under the codes that doctors submit for procedures or E & M services." The only services Aetna reimburses physicians for, notes Cross, involve "direct interaction with the patient in their presence." Does Aetna require physicians to perform any nonvisit services? No, says Cross; but if they don't, they can be dropped for providing poor-quality care or poor service. Despite the gruff talk, Cross doesn't know of any physicians Aetna has booted out because of administrative fees. Similarly, in Washington state, Premera Blue Cross and Regence BlueShield say they don't want members to be charged for services already included in visit fees. But they haven't taken action against doctors who levy access charges. "We've struggled with the best way to do right by our members and still keep an adequate network of providers," notes Ellison, director of public policy and government programs for Regence BlueShield. Meanwhile, the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner in Washington is looking into the issues of both access fees and concierge practices, which have existed in the state for several years. The office regards concierge fees as legal because they affect only a portion of patients in a practice, says Beth Berendt, deputy insurance commissioner. But in recent years, she says, her office has observed a burst of access fees. "We're seeing more and more practices exploring this, because reimbursement rates are not increasing, and physicians are trying to increase revenue." Berendt believes mandatory access fees violate most provider contracts, which in Washington and most other states are required to contain provisions that bar balance billing. But she says it might be okay to charge fees for extra services, like e-mail consults and newsletters, as long as they're voluntary and patients still have unfettered access to their physicians.

I would definitely call your cc company and tell them you have a letter from your doctor stating you would not be charged two fees. They should reimburse you and then go after the office for the money.

http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/

Please spay/neuter your pets!

how do i find out if this is legal...? it's been this way for 2 yrs - and i rarely ever actually TALK or SEE the doctor (i only saw him twice 2 yrs ago, and only 1 more time since then) (and once in the parkinglot of a store)

1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone on the list as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls always check with your dr. Some treatments are dangerous when given along with other meds as well as to certain health conditions or just dangerous in general.2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it is) pls don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to trying to make that situation better.Have a nice day everyone.

[Guest guest]

thanx jennifer... boy, u sure know how to find info QUICK!!!!! i just got off the phone w/ dept of commerce & consumer affairs - they said Dr is allowed to charge office visit fees (even if there is no office visit) so long as those terms have already been made known to patient. HOWEVER, this doesn't help my problem with the double charge.... and it's charged to my checking account (debit card) - not cc...

i dunno... im so flustered right now... and just got 2 bail calls and have to run out the door now. no time to work on this problem today. (but will make some income to get me thru the weekend - phew....)

big hawaiian hugs and smoooches to you 4 all your help and efforts - u r an angel!

love,

jaana

RE: Re: HELP!!!! I GOT SCREWED BY MY CLINIC!!!!!!

I guess you could call the AMA? I found this article online:

According to Anthem's spokeswoman, Sharon Hall, access fees violate the insurer's provider contracts because doctors are charging patients for services that are already covered. "Our physician agreements say that, other than coinsurance or copays, physicians may not charge anything except for medical service fees." How about requiring patients who don't pay fees to come into the office for refills? "That's discrimination," says Hall. "Under our contracts, you cannot discriminate on the medical care you give a patient, based on form of payment." Aetna also prohibits administrative fees. "We consider these administrative services part and parcel of the general practice of medicine," says GP A. Cross, national medical director and head of medical policy for Aetna. "Reimbursement is covered under the codes that doctors submit for procedures or E & M services." The only services Aetna reimburses physicians for, notes Cross, involve "direct interaction with the patient in their presence." Does Aetna require physicians to perform any nonvisit services? No, says Cross; but if they don't, they can be dropped for providing poor-quality care or poor service. Despite the gruff talk, Cross doesn't know of any physicians Aetna has booted out because of administrative fees. Similarly, in Washington state, Premera Blue Cross and Regence BlueShield say they don't want members to be charged for services already included in visit fees. But they haven't taken action against doctors who levy access charges. "We've struggled with the best way to do right by our members and still keep an adequate network of providers," notes Ellison, director of public policy and government programs for Regence BlueShield. Meanwhile, the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner in Washington is looking into the issues of both access fees and concierge practices, which have existed in the state for several years. The office regards concierge fees as legal because they affect only a portion of patients in a practice, says Beth Berendt, deputy insurance commissioner. But in recent years, she says, her office has observed a burst of access fees. "We're seeing more and more practices exploring this, because reimbursement rates are not increasing, and physicians are trying to increase revenue." Berendt believes mandatory access fees violate most provider contracts, which in Washington and most other states are required to contain provisions that bar balance billing. But she says it might be okay to charge fees for extra services, like e-mail consults and newsletters, as long as they're voluntary and patients still have unfettered access to their physicians.

I would definitely call your cc company and tell them you have a letter from your doctor stating you would not be charged two fees. They should reimburse you and then go after the office for the money.

http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/

Please spay/neuter your pets!

how do i find out if this is legal...? it's been this way for 2 yrs - and i rarely ever actually TALK or SEE the doctor (i only saw him twice 2 yrs ago, and only 1 more time since then) (and once in the parkinglot of a store)

1. While it is wonderful to share our experiences with everyone on the list as to what treatments do and don't work for us, pls always check with your dr. Some treatments are dangerous when given along with other meds as well as to certain health conditions or just dangerous in general.2. If you are in a difficult situation (doesn't matter what it is) pls don't be afraid to ask for help. It is the first step to trying to make that situation better.Have a nice day everyone.

[Guest guest]

Not only is it legal, I found an article under the American Academy of

Family Physicians that lists things that Physicians are billing their

patients for that they never have before. According to the article,

" Family physicians are increasing their revenues by charging patients

for services payers won't reimburse them for. Payers (Insurance

companies) prohibit physicians from billing patients for services

associated with covered benefits, but in some cases allow them to

charge for services that are not among those that the plan covers. "

Services that Physicians can charge patients for that do not fall

under insurance coverage can include the following:

1. Malpractice surcharge

2. Administrative or management fee to defray the costs associated

with services the physician provides outside the office visit, such

as referral management, preauthorizations, forms and phone calls.

3. Filling out School forms

4. Filling out Camp Forms

5. Filling out Sports Participation Forms

6. Filling out Disability Forms

7. Filling out FMLA Forms

8. Filling out Life Insurance Forms

9. Filling out Paperwork for patient assistance programs

10. Referrals

11. Phone consults initiated by the patient

12. Email consults

13. Refills or prescriptions handled outside of an office visit

14. Copies of medical records

15. Preauthorizations

16. No show appointments

According to the article, Doctor's offices are charing between $10 per

form up to $15 PER PAGE, or up to $25 an hour to complete different

forms that the patient requests the doctor's office fill out.

On phone and email consults intiated by the patient they are charging

from $15 to $30.

As for legality... it is legal for them to charge the patient for any

service they perform, ANY SERVICE, that is not covered under insurance

or " bundled " or included in a payment with another procedure.

Just some FYI,

N.

> Messagehow do i find out if this is legal...?

[Guest guest]

That only applies to items covered under insurance. If the doctor

isn't billing an insurance company then they CAN charge a patient for

extraneous expenses. Also, if the expense isn't considered to be part

of a " bundled " payment with the insurance company they can charge the

customer extra. If you have insurance you just basically have to call

the insurance company and ask because it varies from company to company.

N.

> I guess you could call the AMA? I found this article online:

> According to Anthem's spokeswoman, Sharon Hall, access fees violate the

> insurer's provider contracts because doctors are charging patients for

> services that are already covered. " Our physician agreements say

that, other

> than coinsurance or copays, physicians may not charge anything

except for

> medical service fees. "

>

>

> How about requiring patients who don't pay fees to come into the

office for

> refills? " That's discrimination, " says Hall. " Under our contracts, you

> cannot discriminate on the medical care you give a patient, based on

form of

> payment. "

>

>

> Aetna also prohibits administrative fees. " We consider these

administrative

> services part and parcel of the general practice of medicine, " says

GP

> A. Cross, national medical director and head of medical policy for

Aetna.

> " Reimbursement is covered under the codes that doctors submit for

procedures

> or E & M services. "

>

>

> The only services Aetna reimburses physicians for, notes Cross, involve

> " direct interaction with the patient in their presence. " Does Aetna

require

> physicians to perform any nonvisit services? No, says Cross; but if they

> don't, they can be dropped for providing poor-quality care or poor

service.

>

>

> Despite the gruff talk, Cross doesn't know of any physicians Aetna has

> booted out because of administrative fees. Similarly, in Washington

state,

> Premera Blue Cross and Regence BlueShield say they don't want

members to be

> charged for services already included in visit fees. But they

haven't taken

> action against doctors who levy access charges. " We've struggled

with the

> best way to do right by our members and still keep an adequate

network of

> providers, " notes Ellison, director of public policy and

government

> programs for Regence BlueShield.

>

>

> Meanwhile, the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner in

Washington is

> looking into the issues of both access fees and concierge practices,

which

> have existed in the state for several years. The office regards

concierge

> fees as legal because they affect only a portion of patients in a

practice,

> says Beth Berendt, deputy insurance commissioner. But in recent

years, she

> says, her office has observed a burst of access fees. " We're seeing

more and

> more practices exploring this, because reimbursement rates are not

> increasing, and physicians are trying to increase revenue. "

>

>

> Berendt believes mandatory access fees violate most provider contracts,

> which in Washington and most other states are required to contain

provisions

> that bar balance billing. But she says it might be okay to charge

fees for

> extra services, like e-mail consults and newsletters, as long as they're

> voluntary and patients still have unfettered access to their physicians.

>

> I would definitely call your cc company and tell them you have a

letter from

> your doctor stating you would not be charged two fees. They should

> reimburse you and then go after the office for the money.

>

>

> <http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/>

http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/

> Please spay/neuter your pets!

>

>

>

> how do i find out if this is legal...? it's been this way for 2 yrs

- and i

> rarely ever actually TALK or SEE the doctor (i only saw him twice 2

yrs ago,

> and only 1 more time since then) (and once in the parkinglot of a store)

[Guest guest]

That only applies to items covered under insurance. If the doctor

isn't billing an insurance company then they CAN charge a patient for

extraneous expenses. Also, if the expense isn't considered to be part

of a " bundled " payment with the insurance company they can charge the

customer extra. If you have insurance you just basically have to call

the insurance company and ask because it varies from company to company.

N.

> I guess you could call the AMA? I found this article online:

> According to Anthem's spokeswoman, Sharon Hall, access fees violate the

> insurer's provider contracts because doctors are charging patients for

> services that are already covered. " Our physician agreements say

that, other

> than coinsurance or copays, physicians may not charge anything

except for

> medical service fees. "

>

>

> How about requiring patients who don't pay fees to come into the

office for

> refills? " That's discrimination, " says Hall. " Under our contracts, you

> cannot discriminate on the medical care you give a patient, based on

form of

> payment. "

>

>

> Aetna also prohibits administrative fees. " We consider these

administrative

> services part and parcel of the general practice of medicine, " says

GP

> A. Cross, national medical director and head of medical policy for

Aetna.

> " Reimbursement is covered under the codes that doctors submit for

procedures

> or E & M services. "

>

>

> The only services Aetna reimburses physicians for, notes Cross, involve

> " direct interaction with the patient in their presence. " Does Aetna

require

> physicians to perform any nonvisit services? No, says Cross; but if they

> don't, they can be dropped for providing poor-quality care or poor

service.

>

>

> Despite the gruff talk, Cross doesn't know of any physicians Aetna has

> booted out because of administrative fees. Similarly, in Washington

state,

> Premera Blue Cross and Regence BlueShield say they don't want

members to be

> charged for services already included in visit fees. But they

haven't taken

> action against doctors who levy access charges. " We've struggled

with the

> best way to do right by our members and still keep an adequate

network of

> providers, " notes Ellison, director of public policy and

government

> programs for Regence BlueShield.

>

>

> Meanwhile, the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner in

Washington is

> looking into the issues of both access fees and concierge practices,

which

> have existed in the state for several years. The office regards

concierge

> fees as legal because they affect only a portion of patients in a

practice,

> says Beth Berendt, deputy insurance commissioner. But in recent

years, she

> says, her office has observed a burst of access fees. " We're seeing

more and

> more practices exploring this, because reimbursement rates are not

> increasing, and physicians are trying to increase revenue. "

>

>

> Berendt believes mandatory access fees violate most provider contracts,

> which in Washington and most other states are required to contain

provisions

> that bar balance billing. But she says it might be okay to charge

fees for

> extra services, like e-mail consults and newsletters, as long as they're

> voluntary and patients still have unfettered access to their physicians.

>

> I would definitely call your cc company and tell them you have a

letter from

> your doctor stating you would not be charged two fees. They should

> reimburse you and then go after the office for the money.

>

>

> <http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/>

http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/

> Please spay/neuter your pets!

>

>

>

> how do i find out if this is legal...? it's been this way for 2 yrs

- and i

> rarely ever actually TALK or SEE the doctor (i only saw him twice 2

yrs ago,

> and only 1 more time since then) (and once in the parkinglot of a store)

[Guest guest]

That only applies to items covered under insurance. If the doctor

isn't billing an insurance company then they CAN charge a patient for

extraneous expenses. Also, if the expense isn't considered to be part

of a " bundled " payment with the insurance company they can charge the

customer extra. If you have insurance you just basically have to call

the insurance company and ask because it varies from company to company.

N.

> I guess you could call the AMA? I found this article online:

> According to Anthem's spokeswoman, Sharon Hall, access fees violate the

> insurer's provider contracts because doctors are charging patients for

> services that are already covered. " Our physician agreements say

that, other

> than coinsurance or copays, physicians may not charge anything

except for

> medical service fees. "

>

>

> How about requiring patients who don't pay fees to come into the

office for

> refills? " That's discrimination, " says Hall. " Under our contracts, you

> cannot discriminate on the medical care you give a patient, based on

form of

> payment. "

>

>

> Aetna also prohibits administrative fees. " We consider these

administrative

> services part and parcel of the general practice of medicine, " says

GP

> A. Cross, national medical director and head of medical policy for

Aetna.

> " Reimbursement is covered under the codes that doctors submit for

procedures

> or E & M services. "

>

>

> The only services Aetna reimburses physicians for, notes Cross, involve

> " direct interaction with the patient in their presence. " Does Aetna

require

> physicians to perform any nonvisit services? No, says Cross; but if they

> don't, they can be dropped for providing poor-quality care or poor

service.

>

>

> Despite the gruff talk, Cross doesn't know of any physicians Aetna has

> booted out because of administrative fees. Similarly, in Washington

state,

> Premera Blue Cross and Regence BlueShield say they don't want

members to be

> charged for services already included in visit fees. But they

haven't taken

> action against doctors who levy access charges. " We've struggled

with the

> best way to do right by our members and still keep an adequate

network of

> providers, " notes Ellison, director of public policy and

government

> programs for Regence BlueShield.

>

>

> Meanwhile, the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner in

Washington is

> looking into the issues of both access fees and concierge practices,

which

> have existed in the state for several years. The office regards

concierge

> fees as legal because they affect only a portion of patients in a

practice,

> says Beth Berendt, deputy insurance commissioner. But in recent

years, she

> says, her office has observed a burst of access fees. " We're seeing

more and

> more practices exploring this, because reimbursement rates are not

> increasing, and physicians are trying to increase revenue. "

>

>

> Berendt believes mandatory access fees violate most provider contracts,

> which in Washington and most other states are required to contain

provisions

> that bar balance billing. But she says it might be okay to charge

fees for

> extra services, like e-mail consults and newsletters, as long as they're

> voluntary and patients still have unfettered access to their physicians.

>

> I would definitely call your cc company and tell them you have a

letter from

> your doctor stating you would not be charged two fees. They should

> reimburse you and then go after the office for the money.

>

>

> <http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/>

http://www.geocities.com/vwjennifer/

> Please spay/neuter your pets!

>

>

>

> how do i find out if this is legal...? it's been this way for 2 yrs

- and i

> rarely ever actually TALK or SEE the doctor (i only saw him twice 2

yrs ago,

> and only 1 more time since then) (and once in the parkinglot of a store)

[Guest guest]

Oh geez, I thought I'd heard it all about doctors. I don't think it

is legal for them to charge you an office visit for a phone call for

a refill. Did they charge your card without asking or checking with

you Jaana?? If so you need to maybe change it so they cannot do that,

they have some nerve! I agree with , I would make sure you

have a copy and speak directly to the doctor next time you go in.

Also you may want to ask for a copy of their office policy. Where did

that stupid rule come from? Tell them you want to see it in writing

somewhere and see your chart if you signed where they can do that and

can charge your credit card like that. I would really fight that with

them especially if they charged you without consulting you first.

Take care,

Pam

> Um...I have NEVER had a doctors office charge me for calling in a

refill

> request. Is that even LEGAL?

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh geez, I thought I'd heard it all about doctors. I don't think it

is legal for them to charge you an office visit for a phone call for

a refill. Did they charge your card without asking or checking with

you Jaana?? If so you need to maybe change it so they cannot do that,

they have some nerve! I agree with , I would make sure you

have a copy and speak directly to the doctor next time you go in.

Also you may want to ask for a copy of their office policy. Where did

that stupid rule come from? Tell them you want to see it in writing

somewhere and see your chart if you signed where they can do that and

can charge your credit card like that. I would really fight that with

them especially if they charged you without consulting you first.

Take care,

Pam

> Um...I have NEVER had a doctors office charge me for calling in a

refill

> request. Is that even LEGAL?

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh geez, I thought I'd heard it all about doctors. I don't think it

is legal for them to charge you an office visit for a phone call for

a refill. Did they charge your card without asking or checking with

you Jaana?? If so you need to maybe change it so they cannot do that,

they have some nerve! I agree with , I would make sure you

have a copy and speak directly to the doctor next time you go in.

Also you may want to ask for a copy of their office policy. Where did

that stupid rule come from? Tell them you want to see it in writing

somewhere and see your chart if you signed where they can do that and

can charge your credit card like that. I would really fight that with

them especially if they charged you without consulting you first.

Take care,

Pam

> Um...I have NEVER had a doctors office charge me for calling in a

refill

> request. Is that even LEGAL?

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jaana, I know how it is-- sometimes $160 might as well

be $1.6 million. I think what your doctor is doing is

wrong and unethical. I think you need to find a new

doctor ASAP. In the meantime, can you find a pro bono

lawyer to talk to about this?

Amy Swinderman

Live aloha!

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