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Across the Fence:  It pays to call and inquire about bills....  |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
 Posted - May 18 2012 : 11:09:34 AM
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Especially dentist bills.
We have had a miserable year with dentist bills. My 15 yo was in an accident and we spent over a year repairing her jaw and teeth. They would not take payments. None. They would not do any work without payment on the spot. The only solution was their Care Credit (a credit card for dental work that some dentists offer now, with so many months interest free).
To make the story short, we put almost $1000.00 of the dentist cost on this card and paid it off before interest set in. After that I took 3 kids in for cleanings that our insurance covers.
In February I took 3 girls in for those needed cleanings.
Just this week I get a call and a bill for $314.00. It's May.
I put it off to call today. I was pretty upset and tried to remain calm while I inquired about the bill.
Here they went ahead and did the work, knowing full well that my insurance for dental was down to zero. They were not covered, and even told me that I could wait until April to get one dd's cavity fixed (because she knew, and told me that my insurance ran out). I left there thinking it ran out after the visits were done (not before).
I asked if I was their practice to check our insurance and NOT inform us prior to the work being done. She agreed, they were to inform me.
After a few minutes, they gracefully removed the remainder of the bill off of my account.
They apologized and said that they were changing things in the practice, so this doesn't happen to anyone else (or to me for that matter).
They were so wrong for even telling me that my insurance would cover one dd's sealants. It did not, and they knew it too. One person knew for sure anyway.
I'm glad I checked into it. Phew!
Farmgirl #800
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pennyhenny
True Blue Farmgirl
304 Posts
Missy
Dayton
OH
USA
304 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2012 : 12:07:21 PM
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Wow so nice to read that they took responsibility for their error.
Last summer I had a series of medical tests ran and when I got a statement of the bill I noticed they charged me twice for the one MRI I had done. I called and after a good hour they removed the charge. I needed a stress test after that conversation.lol lol
hugs,
-missy-
http://citychickblogging.blogspot.com/
Sisterhood Member#4003
Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower.
John Harrigan |
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acairnsmom
True Blue Farmgirl
1319 Posts
audrey
cheyenne
wy
1319 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2012 : 2:11:16 PM
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Yup, I've had some strange things on medical bills that when I questioned were either coded differently so my insurance would pay or were written off. It's a good idea to check and question all the charges. My beef is that they only use the codes and I have no idea what they are billing for.
Audrey
http://prairiecairncottage.blogspot.com/
.jpg) Good boy Hobbs! I love and miss you. |
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laurentany
True Blue Farmgirl
3259 Posts
Laurie
Patchogue
NY
USA
3259 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2012 : 2:46:07 PM
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Kristina,
I am so glad to hear that they took care of the error for you without you having to raise heck! The whole world of medical billing/insruance etc is so outrageous now adays. None of it makes any sense, and it seems that everyone is just trying to rip the next person off. Wish there was an answer to this. Not sure if socialized medicine (as they have in Europe etc) is the answer but it sure seems like here in American we need a better system.
We have always been very fortunate to have my husbands very good Union insurance so we (Thank GOD) have never had any issues, but boy I sure know so many who have been burned. It just doesnt seem right!
Nice to hear a stroy with a happy ending for a change!
Hugs,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3341 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3341 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2012 : 7:49:11 PM
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It happens a LOT with medical-Makes you wonder what you might have missed.
I was told by an elderly lady who lives near us regarding the cost of a test the Dr. insisted she needed. She immediately asked him how much the test would cost....when he told her how much it was she recoiled and and expressed her dismay. He looked at her and said "What do you care...you have INSURANCE!" That ladies is why our health care is obscenely high.
I'm a big proponent regarding taking your health care into your own hands, be aware of what is covered and what is NOT and if you are not sure make sure you ask questions, lots and lots of questions.
Healthcare be it medical, dental or otherwise, is just a racket!
Melody
Farmgirl #525 |
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Across the Fence: It pays to call and inquire about bills.... |
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It pays to call and inquire about bills....
