My first visit, the doctor put me in an Aircast Boot. Luis, his assistant, fitted me and had me sign a paper stating that I received the boot. Next visit, he put me in an ankle brace and Luis fitted me and had me sign a similar paper again. I was not told I would be charged separately for this, nor was I told the prices of the full amount that I could be charged if insurance would not pay.
* Air Boot - DJO charged me $320 and insurance picked up $145, leaving me with $175 balance. Similar product sells on Amazon for $60.
* Ankle Brace - DJO charged me $92 and insurance picked up $25, leaving me with $67 balance. Similar product sells at Walmart for $12.
I have gone to a podiatrist and received a shoe at no charge, so I was not expecting additional charges for this. Two months later I received two bills from DJO for these charges. I tried sorting this out with DJO and Dr. Camarillo's office staff. Each party points the finger at the other at whose fault it was to inform me of the prices or not inform me of prices. There is a clause on the paper I signed stating that I would pay anything that insurance would not cover. He told me it was for receiving the items. The clause about paying is in the middle. I had to get a pdf copy and read the statement at 125% resolution - it is in the middle of the paragraph. I expressed that I would pay reasonable market prices for these items, but I would not be price gouged by them. I believe that I have a right to know the prices I am charged before I am charged. I need to make an informed decision. I believe that Dr. Camarillo's office engaged in deceit, maybe even fraud. I am not sure if I can take them or DJO to small claims court to settle this matter, but I am very upset that I am caught in the middle. read more