Beware of Orthocare

[JohnN]

This is the first time I have ever called out a business but people need to be aware.
During what should have been a very simple process to get a pair of diabetic shoes/inserts using UHC-United Healthcare insurance, Orthocare flat out lied to me saying I had no insurance coverage. I went so far as to call UHC and get a contact name, phone number and a case number before Orthocare fessed up and said that I did have coverage, but it was Orthocare's own policy not to file a claim. I asked specifically if they would file a claim for me - answer was a big loud NO.

A side comment in the discussion was "we (Orthocare) lose money on every pair of shoes because the contract with UHC does not cover the cost" and that I was welcome to come in as a cash customer. At first, I couldn't figure this out (because I am not a crook) - but it's all about money. Big surprise there, eh?

Anyway, use them if you want. If you have a big $$$ requirement and not just needing a crummy pair of shoes, they will probably welcome you with open arms.

I never heard of a medical provider who selectively chose when to not file insurance for a patient? I didn't know that was an option? So I'm a little smarter today than yesterday and that's the good news of this experience.

I just feel like they're out for a $$$ and could care less about us "old people".
There are other orthotic shops around, I'd suggest you go elsewhere. Be safe out there, it's a hard world ~peace~

[blueash]

I don't know how it works with an orthotics company, but if you are an in network provider as a physician, your agreement with the carrier states that you will file the claim and accept as payment in full the agreed amount, some of which may be paid by the patient as copay, deductible, or coinsurance, and the remainder of the amount allowed by the carrier.

I would absolutely file a grievance with UHC if this is an in network provider under your policy. They will want names and dates if you can supply that information.

[villagetinker]

Also, if this was supposed to be covered by Medicare, file a complaint with them also.

[Dana1963]

It’s plain and simple you have the service completed take receipt submit it and get reimbursed unfortunately you need to pay up first or look for another provider of services.

[JohnN]

It’s plain and simple you have the service completed take receipt submit it and get reimbursed unfortunately you need to pay up first or look for another provider of services.

Submitting the receipt is not only cumbersome but a money loser since Orthocare would have charged higher to an individual than the contracted insurance rate. Option 2, going to another provider is what I chose. This thread isn't asking for options, it's to make folks who might do business with Orthocare to be aware of misinformation regarding insurance coverage and to check the details