I went there for a COVID-19 PCR swab a few weeks ago during the height of the Omicron COVID-19 surge in late December 2021.
On the outside of the facility, it clearly states that COVID-19 PCR tests are free! I filled out paperwork, the staff copied my photo ID and insurance card. I asked "why are you taking a copy of my insurance card when the tests are free?" The staff couldn't give me an answer. I did the COVID-19 PCR swab within 2 minutes, then before I left, the staff notified me that the results would be ready in 3 days.
Fast forward to January 2022, I receive an explanation of benefits from my insurance company stating that Dr. A Chaudhury, and NYC Docs billed my insurance $400 doctors for a visit that never happened. My insurance wants me to pay $350. All I did was a COVID-19 swab, a quick walk-in service that is advertised for free. I never saw a doctor!!!
I also received another Explanation of Benefits for the lab that NYC Docs uses, which is called Lincoln Labs that is located in Elizabeth, New Jersey! The lab charged my insurance $560 and I'm expected to pay $470 out of pocket!
This is a absurd I never filled out a patient responsibility payment form, disclosing that my insurance will be charged for an out of network doctors visit that never happened, or use a lab that is also out of network from my insurance, that is located in New Jersey, a state I don't live in. I live in the neighborhood, and I live in the Bronx, New York. What is also absurd is that they advertise clearly outside if NYC Docs that COVID-19 PCR test are free, but the facility is billing the insurance of all of the patients that come in for swabs!
I went into the office also in January 2022, and staff took my information after I complained of the charges billed to my insurance. I spoke to the head doctor, a receptionist, and a biller. I also sent the information by email and was assured my issue would be handled, and it's now February and no one has gotten back to me.
I have now called the NY State department of health to complain about insurance fraud and to start an investigation of the shady business practices from their facility and the lab that they use. I have also have called the fraud department of my insurance company to start an investigation.
Don't advertise a free service such as a COVID-19 test and bill someone's insurance thousands of dollars for something that is supposed to be free. And don't bill for a doctors visit when it never happened. read more