thought it best to provide you with the full situation:…read more
Tuesday, July 14 - Our initial visit to Dr. Michaels. During that visit, we explained the reason for our appointment. Dr. Michaels suggested several tests she wanted us to complete. She also advised us that the tests were not covered by insurance, but that the cost of the testing was $99.00 per person. Because we are on a fixed income, we felt this was manageable and agreed to proceed.
When we left the office, the reception area provided paperwork for all of our upcoming appointments. They advised me to call to schedule the calcium test, and to contact our primary doctor to schedule additional blood work Dr. Michaels requested. I scheduled both.
The office also scheduled our echocardiogram for September 2 at 9:15 a.m., and a follow-up with Dr. Michaels for November 3 to discuss the test results. While that date seemed far in the future, I did not question it at the time.
Thursday, August 13 - Our calcium test was completed, and we paid the hospital directly.
Monday, August 17 - Dr. Michaels' assistant called to tell me that my levels were in the 80% range, and that my husband's levels were even higher. Dr. Michaels wanted him in the office as soon as possible. We made an appointment for Thursday, August 20.
During the appointment, Dr. Michaels was reviewing the test results with my husband. When I asked a question, Dr. Michaels was abrupt with me. Even my husband noticed. We left the office feeling discouraged and concerned. We could not wait for the echocardiogram to confirm we were okay.
At that time, Dr. Michaels increased my husband's medication before the blood test results were completed--the additional lab work was scheduled for August 21, the very next day.
Friday, August 21 - All lab work was completed, including the extra blood test Dr. Michaels requested.
Friday, August 28 - We met with our primary doctor to review the results. It turns out my husband's lab work was NORMAL, his cholesterol levels were very good, and my cholesterol levels were high. We were concerned that Dr. Michaels did not wait for the lab results before making medication changes. I also spoke with my primary doctor about how abrupt Dr. Michaels was when I asked questions.
Monday, August 31 - We received a call stating that my husband's echocardiogram was cancelled. I was very upset and immediately called the office back, because the way Dr. Michaels' office described it made it sound urgent--something that needed to be done right away. They made us feel like we were going to die, and then cancelled the test. Because of this, I cancelled all future appointments we had scheduled with Dr. Michaels.
They never called back to reschedule my husband's echocardiogram.
Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. - I received another call cancelling the echocardiogram. I ended the call, because it reinforced my belief that Dr. Michaels' office does not communicate internally.
To make matters worse, I then received a bill for the calcium test in the amount of 1,166.00** from **Mori, Bean & Brooks, Inc.** I was furious. I called the number on the bill and explained that we were told the cost was **99.00 and that we paid the hospital directly on the day of the test.
I also explained that we are on a fixed income. The representative then suggested we make payments, and I declined. I then called the hospital billing department and spoke with Isabella. Fortunately, she was knowledgeable and helpful. She is mailing information to attach to the bills from Mori, Bean & Brooks, Inc. so the charges can be written off.
Dr. Michaels came highly recommended to us, which is why we used her. However, I am extremely disappointed with her abruptness when questions were asked, and with her office staff, who do not seem to communicate with each other. My experience is proof of that.
Sincerely,
Frances Johnston
