I begin this review by stating that I respect homeopathic treatment as one of the cornerstones of osteopathic medicine. There is an intrinsic, centered wisdom in utilizing Nature's bounty for healing and well-being, evidenced by the generational earth-based remedies still advocated to some extent today. Medicinal lore of indigenous peoples remains rich. In addition, I have understandably become more receptive to the holistic approach after my husband underwent a crucial operation at the skilled hands of a caring, conscientious D.O. surgeon.
Nonetheless, I couldn't help but notice the obvious commercialization upon walking into Lemire Clinic for the first time - a definite "snake-oil salesman" vibe with all the salt lamps, herbal supplements, etc., for sale, plus recommendations by the staff for non-traditional procedures (most of which probably are not covered by Medicare or other insurance) such as thermography which studies have shown produces repeated false positive results.
Plus, the flurry of initial paperwork was somewhat alarming in the sense that it was very clear that the patient would be financially responsible for their end of the transaction, almost to a point of absurdity. Question is: would Lemire Clinic meet their transactional responsibilities, as well, delivering SPECIFIC AGREED upon service in an honest, forthright manner?
New to Medicare, I was urged to get the benchmark "Welcome to Medicare" visit only available within the first year. Trouble was, I couldn't book an appointment with a medical provider in my local area that wasn't months out past my year rollover. I finally connected with Lemire Clinic who advertised Dr. Lorn Scott Miller, D.O., on staff (Dr. Lemire, the clinic's founder, is apparently semi-retired).
I SPECIFICALLY asked if Lemire Clinic accepted Medicare assignment, and upon being told the affirmative, SPECIFICALLY requested a "Welcome to Medicare" visit which was set up with Rebekah Costello, APRN. I was basically o.k. with that as I assumed that most "Welcome to Medicare" office visits, covering established generalities for overall good health, probably would be conducted primarily by nursing staff, with more detailed, complicated health issues handled by the resident doctor(s) in subsequent appointments. It was only after my session concluded that I learned, after repeated questioning met with evasion, that Dr. Miller was no longer at Lemire Clinic - this despite my referencing him both during the initial phone contact, and then upon submitting the requisite medical paperwork at the front desk.
I provided my (plus family) medical history to Ms. Costello as instructed by the "Welcome to Medicare" visit guidelines. All points of the "Welcome to Medicare" visit were covered, with the exception of two, one of which was a screening for depression - which I probably need now in the aftermath of this first Medicare experience.
Bottom line: if you are a Medicare patient, my advice to you is to stay away from Lemire Clinic. Turns out they billed my "Welcome to Medicare" visit as a "New Patient Office or Other Outpatient Visit with Moderate Level of Medical Decision Making" -- and coded at Level 4, way above my actual health profile which is very good for my age.
Ms. Costello had ordered some bloodwork which I subsequently decided not to have; according to follow-up conversations with Medicare representatives, this should not have been done on a "Welcome to Medicare" visit. On the bloodwork script, though, I happened to notice some billable codes. Researching them showed me that Lemire Clinic billed not only for the blood work which I did not have done, but for my own medical history - plus some exaggerated conditions that I do not have! These billable codes were under a heading of "Diagnosis;" but ironically, Ms. Costello did not diagnose anything.
This "Welcome to Medicare" visit should have been free of charge to me; but the way in which it was falsely coded and billed, I have out-of-pocket expense to meet my deductible. Be forewarned of these medical providers who try to mollify you by saying that you have nothing to worry about expense-wise if you have Medicare and a secondary insurance.
So, don't let Lemire Clinic do a "number" on you. I am all for paying my fair share, but it is a matter of principle in this situation. They agreed to give me a "Welcome to Medicare" visit and did not clearly stipulate when I contacted them that an initial visit would be "New Patient" or otherwise. I guess this is a way for them to bill Medicare again in separating the two, but what would be the point to return for the same? What I received was a "Welcome to Medicare" visit but what they coded and billed was not -- demonstrating a lack of honesty, transparency, and trust on the part of Lemire Clinic. read more
