Having a family history of melanoma I searched for a dermatologist that I could trust. I had my first appointment on 09/12/24 with Dr. Nguyen, Amy MD, I was pleased with her bedside manner and patience to listen and answer any of my questions. I was diagnosed with Rosacea and was prescribed 2 medications. For my Rhofade 1 % topical cream, I was given a slip for Hope Pharmacy to call me (the preferred pharmacy they work with), and it was a nightmare right away. They were giving me different prices without sending a preauthorization first. WHICH, I had to call and confirm with my insurance and pass that information on to the pharmacy.
During my consultation, Dr. Nguyen recommended Vbeam Pulse Dye Laser as an effective treatment for my rosacea but was told NO insurance companies cover it. I wanted to call my insurance to find out myself, but needed the CPT codes. I called the office (Exceptional Dermatology Care) and was given 17000-17004 for the Vbeam laser treatment. I called my insurance and to my surprise, my insurance covered those codes and treatments. Finding out the great news, I called back Exceptional Dermatology Care and provided this information and was told "their" compromise was that I would need to pay for the treatments up front and they would bill my insurance. I wanted to provide feedback to a manager and Alicia Cisneros called me back and had no idea that my provider covers Vbeam Laser treatments since it was a newer change during February of last year. We ended the call with me making my first appointment for the Vbeam laser treatment today, 09/26. I did my homework prior to coming in with my insurance company and printed the service that those codes fell under to make sure we were on the same page.
My appointment was today (09/26) at 10:30 am and was told to come in at 10:00 am for numbing. I did so and was brought back by a super sweet bubbly employee. I sat there numbed for 30 minutes and then she came back with the clipboard and document for me to sign. To my surprise, there were three NEW codes 17106, 17107, and 17108 on the document saying they would bill the insurance using these codes and I would pay upfront. I pulled out my printout from my insurance (the codes I was given by Exceptional Dermatology Care) then the chaos started. I was brought to the front and discussed my concerns with Liz Young who was helpful and genuinely wanted to help me. But since I spoke to Alicia Cisneros over the phone she came up to talk to me but was EXTREMELY RUDE AND LOUD ( I can't believe she is a manager to begin with). This was in the lobby with other patients listening and it was embarrassing. She didn't care what I had to say and said well I need time to look into this and we have other patients at the moment. I was absolutely STUNNED by her unprofessionalism and neglect!!! During my first visit on 09/12, she wasn't very friendly then but I thought maybe she was busy or distracted, but it's not that, which was confirmed today.
I asked if we could call my insurance before committing to the treatment which is extremely expensive and to my surprise the 3 NEW codes were NOT covered. Not only was I given false information, I took time off work (wasted PTO time) and I left without any resolution. read more