I got a procedure back in September of 2023 for my degenerative eye condition. The surgeon was great, and the process went smoothly, as did the follow-up visits. Fast forward to now, and I called on 12/19 due to my insurance letting me know there was a discrepancy with my billing. I called the billing department with insurance on the phone and was greeted by Debbie in billing. As I explained the situation with the insurance on the phone while speaking with Debbie in billing, she quickly deflected and stated she couldn't answer our question due to her manager not being present. I asked Debbie if the billing supervisor was the only one to speak with regarding the critical matter. Debbie responded, "You can't wait until tomorrow"? I then responded and said, "No, I can't." Debbie then placed the insurance agent and me on a long hold to come back and state that she spoke with the operations manager, but no one could answer the question until 12/20. At 8 AM on 12/20, Shellie, the billing manager, called and was extremely hostile and stated that I was not owed a refund because I signed a waiver. I needed clarification on the approach and the tone, and I asked for a breakdown of the charges to ensure everything was in place. As I started explaining the background of the costs, Shellie interrupted me and stated, "If you have all the answers, why am I on the phone?". I then let the billing manager, Shellie, know that her speaking to me that way would not be accepted and asked for a manager. Shellie proceeded to tell me that "she heard that I yelled at everyone that I spoke to yesterday." I informed her that I felt as if she was attacking my character and painting an angry black woman picture because my voice was not raised. I let her know that I did know how to conduct myself in conversation. I once again asked for the manager's name, and Shellie gave me the wrong number and threatened to hang up the phone in my face too. I called the number she provided and received a rude answer from the front desk staff. I asked to speak with Dave, and Shahliq came to the line and said she was a manager. I explained the situation. She then said, "If that occurred, then it shouldn't have." I let her know there are no "ifs" about the situation because that is what happened. She took my information and said she would call me back in half an hour. Two hours passed, and I have not received communication from Shaliq. I called back to get placed on another 20-minute hold and speak with the operations manager, Monica. I told Monica who I was, and she immediately told me, " I am not due for a refund," when she came on the phone. As I told the previous representative, I sought an understanding and itemized receipt with a breakdown of all the charges. I then stated that my problem was with the billing manager, Shellie, and the hostile, racist environment that she created during a simple follow-up conversation. I expressed my discomfort about attending the practice. Monica, the Operations Manager, stated that she has been friends with Shellie, Debbie, and Shahliq for a long time and hopes they aren't racist. I told her that I didn't feel comfortable with her having a conversation to ensure that this wouldn't happen again because of the close nature of their relationship. She stated that there was nothing that she could do about that, and I informed her that I would be filing a complaint. read more