Terrible experience that made us feel like we were the victims of predatory medical practices. SAY "NO" TO THE SWAB TEST!
My husband went in for a sore toenail that he injured working out. Dr. Allen cut it out with toenail clippers. All of that went fine, but while he was there he was told the doctor had ordered an oral swab test. He thought it was odd, but felt he should accept the test if the doctor thought it necessary. He was not prescribed any medication or further treatment. Meanwhile, our insurance was billed over $25,000 for the swab and we were personally billed over $275.
Naturally, I was alarmed and called the office for more information. I was passed along to an in-office United Toxicology rep who gave me a nonsensical explanation about an allergy test being needed (again, the doctor literally just used toenail clippers). The rep said she would send the results, which I never received. I called the office again and this time spoke to the office manager. She promptly sent the results, however, it was not an allergy test as I was originally told - it was a full drug test panel. They literally tested 84 drugs - everything from antipsychotics to illicit drugs to muscle relaxants to opioids. My husband doesn't take any medications or do any drugs, so there really were no results, but we were totally mystified and frustrated about being billed for a completely unnecessary test.
Dr. Allen's office said that United Toxicology (BBB grade "F" by the way) would accept non-payment if we disputed the charges with them, but that was not the message that we received from the "patient advocate" with whom we spoke. Now we have to decide whether to stand on principle and let this one go against our credit or just suck it up and pay the bill.
All in all, it was a very time consuming and frustrating experience. Dr. Allen is a fine doctor and her staff is very nice, but I'm sure there are other offices out there that aren't exposing unsuspecting patients to this awful racket. read more