Beware: Watch out for charges for services that you did not request.
I was charged for services that I did not ask for: I visited on 2/2/2019, for a cholesterol check. I asked only for this service, and filled out the electronic paperwork at the kiosk for this single service. Once I got into the office, I told the practitioner on duty at the time, Kristen McGaha, that I was only looking for cholesterol check. But practitioner Kristen McGaha proceeded to first check my blood pressure, measure my waist, asked for my height and weight (she didn't take the measurements). Then she gave me a cholesterol test. She asked if I wanted a flu shot, and I consented to this extra service. After completed, she gave me the paperwork and the results of my cholesterol test.
After I went home, I saw that I was charged for the cholesterol test ($37.00, coded as 80061).And I was charged for the vaccination ($26.00 coded as 90471 and $24.00 coded as 90674) -- I assume the two charges were both needed, but it its unclear. The services that I absolutely did not ask for were preventive medicine counseling ($69.00, coded as 99402) and blood glucose check ($25.00, coded as 82947).
I went back to the store when I realized the extra charges, about two hours later on the same day, to speak with practitioner Kristen McGaha to ask her about the extra charges. She first said that they were mandatory. I said the CVS website says nothing about this service being mandatory. Kristen McGaha then said I had given electronic consent. I asked her to show me, and she printed out the consent form and tried to point out that the "I here by authorize" language was consent for all of the scope of services listed which included a list of services such as "treatment of minor abrasions and skin conditions" "diagnosis and treatment for common illnesses such as strep throat and ear, eye, sinus, bladder and bronchial infections". (Clearly this is a list of services offered, not mandatory services that I had to consent to pay for whether I asked for them or not.) Once I showed her that the language does not say that, Kristen McGaha pivoted and said that my insurance would pay for the services. I understood her words to imply that I shouldn't worry about it because insurance is paying for it. But, in my mind, that's wrong. It is incumbent on me to keep my insurance from paying for unnecessary services. I left, and Kristen McGaha, in my view, seemed irritated that I was making an issue about something I wasn't paying for.
I then called CVS helpline 1.866.389.2727 to get redress. Of course, I was told that there was nothing that could be done, because I actually had the medical services completed. I insisted on getting this issue escalated. I was promised a return call within three business days. I am not holding my breath for a response.
I am writing about my experience because I think people should be forewarned to watch how easily a CVS medical service can be slipped in to the process. And that these unasked for service could cost you, or your insurance company, extra. read more
