After researching local oncologists, I chose to visit with Dr. Begas. I called and made an…read moreappointment after pressing the dedicated "new patient" prompt. The scheduler was pleasant and provided me with most, not all, of the information that I needed to know prior to my visit. She said she would send me a new patient packet to complete prior to my visit, tho, I never did receive it, so I did not have time to review the paperwork. Unfortunately, because of scheduling conflicts, I had to call back a 2nd and 3rd time to finally secure an appointment. Each time, the scheduler was pleasant, but and only provided me with most, not all, of the necessary information that I needed. They each said they would send me a new patient package, but never did. But, not ONCE during any of those conversations, did any of the schedulers explain to me that I would not only be billed for my copay (which, of course I knew I had to pay), but, that I would also be responsible for an amount more than 3x that for a "facility charge" as the Dr. is "affiliated" with BRRH.
When I arrived, Rose gave me a few papers to complete, which I did standing at the main desk, rushed, as there were other patients waiting to check in. I never did gt to read the very loosely stated paragraph that says I am responsible for Dr and hospital charges. As a layperson, I interpreted that to mean that IF I was admitted to the hospital, I would be responsible for the hospital charges, which, of course, I agreed.
6 weeks go by and I received a bill for my copay, which I immediately paid. A week later, I received another bill for and additional $157.47!!! When I phoned and asked why, after she placed me on hold for over 5 minutes, Evelyn in the billing department, very matter-of-factly and with a condescending tone, informed me that the additional charge was due to the relationship the Dr. has with the hospital. I then spoke with Stacy the supervisor who, with the same matter-of-factness reiterated the same information. She did say she would "discount" my bill by $50, but the amount is still more than 2x my copay.
I was emphatic that THIS INFORMATION BE DISCLOSED WHEN SPEAKING WITH THE NEW APPOINTMENT SCHEDULER so that the potential new patient can make a personal decision whether or not they want to see the Dr. I would NEVER have made the appointment. I would have gone to one the the other hundred oncologists in PBC,
Patient beware!
As an aside, the Dr. ordered a test for me and I never received a call to schedule it. It seems I fell thru the cracks. I even called back to ask about it and the girl I spoke with said she'd look into it and call me back, but, never did.
Maybe this practice is just way to big if they can not keep track of their patients and their tests. Thank God I was only there for a consult and did not require serious treatment and attention.
