Beware of Data Retention and Breaches for collections purposes before being seen…read more
I had an extremely frustrating encounter with the billing representative, Jay (black lady tight Jerry curl), at Desoto Family Care Clinic. She insisted that providing my Social Security Number (SSN) was needed for receiving care, yet failed to produce any official documentation to support this claim. Asked if I didn't have a phone number or address would they deny care. She stated probably so..When I questioned this requirement, she became dismissive and accused me of fraudulent behavior, despite my presentation of a valid driver's license and insurance card-both of which were verified as active by Anthony at the front desk already before I interacted with Billing.
Anthony clarified that the SSN is only necessary if a patient's account is sent to collections, not for receiving care or for patients paying upfront.
I expressed concerns about data privacy, especially in light of recent breaches, and offered to pay for the visit in CASH. Nevertheless, Jay refused and proceed, stating she didn't want to "deal with that lady and she can go to the ER," referring to me. The kicker she is not a doctor to advise anyone of care. This behavior was unprofessional and appeared to be driven by personal bias and lack of understanding rather than actual policy..
I maintained my professionalism and integrity the whole time and even Anthony front desk rep understood that I was not being hostile but needed direct answers. The billing representative Jay was screaming from the back even when my mom went to ask you know why if she's paying cash.
Ask to speak to the practice manager about this complaint and concerns and was told to just call the number on the New Patient Registration Form and ask for the manager.
There was no financial agreement to be signed included in the new patient registration forms, nor listed as their policy, and when asked for the policy to be provided stating that it was mandatory, Jay got VERY defensive over talked me , NEVER answered the questions and got dismissive and walked away and then proceeded to yell from the back office at my mother and me. In front of other patients exposing my information.
As someone who works in healthcare billing and insurance , I am aware that under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), patients have the right to protect their personal health information, and providers must safeguard this data. Up to 250,000 fine for violating HIPPA. Additionally, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors including MDO from engaging in abusive practices and requires them to provide validation of debts upon request.
In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for medical debt collection is three years, meaning that any attempt to collect a debt beyond this period is unlawful. Furthermore, the Mississippi Insurance Department provides guidelines to protect consumers from balance billing and unexpected medical charges. I have never been here before and again offered to pay CASH for this one visit.
Jay's actions not only violated these protections but also denied me access to necessary medical care. Desoto Family Care Clinic must reevaluate their staff training and billing practices to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and to uphold the rights and dignity of their patients new and existing patients.
The HHS and other agencies will be notified of the breach of privacy and the denial of medical care for a simple cold and diabetic care.
Read and understand your rights as a patient and advocate for your patients rights and health.
Thankfully went to another clinic and was seen with no issues nor SSN needed.
Side note the other staff that I encountered were nice and calm. But that Black lady "Jay" in billing needs more education on laws, billing medical insurance on what's needed to file a claim and CE training on Personal Bias in a Healthcare Setting.
