Administration is unprofessional and not at all interested in a patients well being, as much as their own wallet. The private owner, an arrogant ANP and the front desk staffs actions with regard to this instances, were grossly negligent and completely unethical. They could have caused serious harm with their ignorant stand and in a pathetic last ditch effort to distance themselves from their own actions, they attempted to blame the patient as though he'd done something wrong.
Background: I referred someone to Bridges clinic. They saw Peter Alward. Peter was not a good fit and after the second visit the person did not reschedule. One of the reasons was because they were unaware of, and could not afford, the $25 per visit go-pay (this is a young individual in his early 20's). When asked for the now $50 co-pay, he was embarrassed and upset because he did not have it. When he asked the front counter why they hadn't mentioned it the last time he was in, they told him it's standard and people should just know about it - again this is a young kid, in his early 20's who knew nothing about insurance.
Fast forward ahead, I am told by my provider to refer this same person back to Bridges to see her. All the paperwork was again filled out and they were told they would receive a phone call to schedule an appointment. The clinic took the following approach; six weeks of intentional avoidance and not returning phone calls, then an awkward and uncomfortable face to face encounter with me, rather than making a simple phone call to relay their ridiculous reasons for banning the person I referred. He was banished from the whole clinic because he "refused to pay the co-pay and upset the front counter by asking them why they hadn't told him in advance there would be one". I expected something horrible... but no, it was something completely petty. Also, I looked all night and found the cashed check from when I paid the co-pay within a month that they accused him of refusing to pay.
The staffs avoidance to make or return a simple phone call cost precious time, that a person in need of medical care, could have used to find help elsewhere. I feel like such a fool for trusting this clinic and ever giving them any of our business.
I myself, liked my provider very much, but chose to leave due to the private owner and staffs unethical handling of the situation. There was no excuse. I refuse to support a business, especially one in such a critical field, who has lost its moral standards and has no regard for common courtesy or decency. The providers, some of who are very talented, work for a private owner and are unable to make their own decisions. They must conform under the shadow of a cold and calculated company who is clearly only in it for the $$$. It's quite sad and disturbing, especially given the field of work. read more
