Despite my letter and calls explaining my particular situation to Dr. Michaelian, he insisted on sending me to collections. It's almost as though I am now at the mercy of his decision to pursue adverse collection proceedings against me.
I called and explained and even wrote a letter to Dr. Michaelian personally explaining that I was specifically told by his staff that there were no charges because my insurance had authorized my visit and any test related to my appointment. I was told I would not even have a co pay charge; hence, I was not told to pay prior to my appointment nor was I asked to pay anything after my appointment. Why do you think that is? Let me guess. Despite Dr. Michaelian and his staff's representations that my insurance would cover the visit and applicable tests, including x Rays, the insurance carrier denied some or all of his billing submittal. Now and though despite being told something to the contrary and the fact that I relied on Dr. Michaelian representations to my detriment, and that now Dr. Michaelian cannot collect from the insurance for whatever reason, he believes the best way to resolve is to go after the patient, me, who at no times deceived or mislead Dr. Michaelian or his staff, but Dr. Michaelian believes for some reason I am culpable. Or maybe it's just easier to go after me rather than deal with the insurance company and rather than keep his word or the word of his employees. I am just curious, do they teach business ethics or just ethics in dental school and if so, again just curious, what grade did Dr. Michaelian receive... no forget the grade, did he even pass that class.
Well, as a matter of principle, I have no other choice but to seek adverse reviews and file complaints with regulatory agencies regarding his unscrupulous billing practices, which possibly rises to the level of fraud. Regardless of what version is presented the fact is Dr. Michaelian has irrevocably injured my reputation by sending the matter to a collection company.
As I mentioned, Dr. Michaelian billing practices give pause to the possibility that he might be subjected to criminal liability, it's a stretch, but I do call your attention to the facts of my particular situation.
I saw Dr. Michaelian after seeing my regular dentist, in which I took ALL necessary X rays. When I was referred to Dr. Michaelian, my dentist specifically noted, and I have now confirmed, forwarded all dental x rays to Dr. Michaelian's immediate attention PRIOR to my appointment. I confirmed as much with Dr. Michaelian's staff when asked to take X Rays.
I specifically recall speaking with his staff and Dr. Michaelian personally regarding the X rays taken several days prior to my appointment. In fact, I specifically remember being told by a member of his staff that "since the insurance company is paying anyways, we take X rays". I am almost certain subpoenaing random patient records will show a pattern proving the allegation.
However, to be fair, it is very possible that industry dental standards apply which dictate new X rays being taken regardless with respect to any brand new patient, however, if that is not an industry standard or even if it is, it sure waste time and money at the detriment of the patient.
Either I should have been advised prior to any treatment or X rays as to my financial responsibility and had I known or had I been told I would have to pay for x rays that was already completed I would have insisted on using the EXACT same X Rays from the day earlier or I would have cancelled my appointment with Dr. Michaelian. To not advise a patient is ethically inconceivable and should subject the offending dentist and his practice to sanctions, and though I do not know this for a fact nor do I have any evidence besides my own, but I am pretty sure this is a method Dr. Michaelian uses indiscriminately and without pause, but again, those cost of course are passed along to me, or you the insured.
However, on the other hand, knowingly providing me with unnecessary test with the intent on billing the insurance company, well and again, I am no lawyer, but that appears to be analogous with insurance fraud. Anyways, I am sure the proper and regulatory agencies with sort the matter out.
Either way, I guess I am entitled to some vindication. Maybe this is a widespread issue of over billing and insurance fraud and needs to be looked at, starting with Dr. Michaelian and his multiple practices, both in Daly City (the one I visited) and San Mateo. Dr. Michaelian and his unethical actions subject him to penalties and he most certainly or at least ethically should be subject to disciplinary action read more
