In January my doctor ordered a colonoscopy for me (age 50+) and recommended Maple Surgery Center. They called me and scheduled the appointment, sent the packet of forms and pre-op prep instructions. Everything went as scheduled no hassles or delays. The staff was friendly, professional and attentive. I couldn't have asked for more...until I got the bill.
Somewhere along the line the referral that my insurance company requires was never filled out. I have been trying for 8 months to get it straightened out, but I cannot get resolution.
I have called more than 8 times always speaking to someone different (Lindsey and Patricia are the 2 most recent ones, since I started taking notes of my interactions) who says that they will talk to the referral coordinator and she will call me and get it straightened out. That is where it always ends, I never hear back from anyone. The only one who seems to follow up on anything is the billing dept. I never fail to get my statement telling me that they are sending me to collection if I don't pay them $2540.
As a patient, I am helpless to get anything taken care of. I had no reason to believe that the referral was not in place, I am not the referral coordinator. I cannot write the referral, I am not the doctor. I cannot pay the bill, I am not the insurance company.
I pay over $500 a month for insurance and I will NOT be forced to cover a bill because someone failed to have a form filled out that was totally out of my control. Someone else's incompetency should not cause me financial hardship. read more