Small Claims Court

[Grill Meister]

I really would appreciate some advice. Last July, I was treated by one of The Villages physicians. Before the procedure, I paid my co-pay as required by my insurance company and all went well as had been the case for over 5 years; however, a month later I received a bill for $82.12 with no explanation. I paid the bill through my bank and later received an explanation that the charge was for a certain treatement used by the physcian. I had a later appoint with the physician and asked him for an explanation. He confirmed to me that their billing department (he practices with him a very large group) had billed me in error. Ever since, I have been stoned-walled. I have tried to have my insurance company recover the money. I have tried any number of times via phone and in person and, as always I get stoned-walled.

Is there a way through small claims court that I can possibly get regress? Please advise how I should proceed. Thanks in advance.

genem9191930@gmail.com

[bsloan1960]

I really would appreciate some advice. Last July, I was treated by one of The Villages physicians. Before the procedure, I paid my co-pay as required by my insurance company and all went well as had been the case for over 5 years; however, a month later I received a bill for $82.12 with no explanation. I paid the bill through my bank and later received an explanation that the charge was for a certain treatement used by the physcian. I had a later appoint with the physician and asked him for an explanation. He confirmed to me that their billing department (he practices with him a very large group) had billed me in error. Ever since, I have been stoned-walled. I have tried to have my insurance company recover the money. I have tried any number of times via phone and in person and, as always I get stoned-walled.

Is there a way through small claims court that I can possibly get regress? Please advise how I should proceed. Thanks in advance.

genem9191930@gmail.com

Just a thought. Consider one of the following: 1) Send a certified letter to the billing office informing them that your doctor told you it was an error. Tell them that if you have not received a refund in 60 days you will bring the matter to small claims court. Tell them also that weather you win or lose you will post the progress of your story on social media. Since you are only providing facts they can not come after you. 2) Ask the doctor to provide in writing that the charge is an error. Send a letter, along with the doctor's letter, in the manner described above.

[retiredguy123]

It's not worth going to small claims court for $82. Did the insurance company pay anything for the treatment? If not, I don't think they will be of any assistance to you. I would just be more persistent with the office or the person who prepares the bills. Take names and document everything. Send emails. Ask to speak with a supervisor. You may also consider sending a bill to the office with an explanation of exactly what the doctor told you. You could also ask the office to have the doctor call you back personally. If you go back to the office for treatment, I would not pay the co-pay. You may need to make a few people embarrassed or uncomfortable, and not allow them to stonewall you. Good luck.

[villagetinker]

You can file a complaint with the department that oversees the medical profession, I have done something similar with a local bank and immediately got a call to follow-up with the problem that I could not get anyone to look at for 6 months. You might have the same response with the practice, once you get their attention.

[bsloan1960]

I didn't suggest going to small claims court. I suggested telling them you would- and that you would publicly document the process. This threat might get them to pay more attention to your concern. Another idea is to ask the doctor to contact billing. If s/he is unwilling, they may be willing to hand you/mail you/email you a note stating the charge is an error.

[retiredguy123]

Apparently, some people are intimidated by the medical profession. I'm not. If they are cheating you, you have every right to demand the same treatment as any other business. I'm not sure what the OP means by "stonewalling", but I would not allow them to stonewall me.

[vintageogauge]

Apparently, some people are intimidated by the medical profession. I'm not. If they are cheating you, you have every right to demand the same treatment as any other business. I'm not sure what the OP means by "stonewalling", but I would not allow them to stonewall me.

I once had an appointment that was a 1 Hour Drive from my home, drove there paid for parking walked up multiple flights of stairs only to find out that my appointment was canceled and no one bothered to notify me. I went downstairs and filed a complaint with the ombudsman, then went back home, figured out the mileage and the time I lost from work, it was just shy of $300.00, I deducted it from a bill I had for co-pays along with an explanation. They accepted it without question and reduced the amount owed on my co-pays.

[kkingston57]

Probably could win in Small claims court. Might want to check where court house is. We live in the north end (Sumter County) and believe that closest court house is in Bushnell. Ten years ago, filing fee was over $200. Pursuing a small claims court case will be more aggravating than it is worth. If you have two trips to the courthouse gas costs would significantly eat into the $82.00

[mikempp]

Leave bad feedback on google. Not worth the time and aggravation taking them to small claims. We had a local doctor over charge us on every visit. The insurance company contacted them directly. Next time review the bill before paying and if incorrect don’t pay it and write them a certified letter denying the charge. Then the burden is on them to take you to court and prove the charge.

[Freeda]

If you paid by cc, dispute the charge with your cc company and get it reversed.

[Nucky]

It’s not what you say to them it’s how you say it. Find a way to get to the top dog at the billing department and then let er rip. Works every time. Good luck. By the way I would NEVER give up until I prevailed.

[retiredguy123]

If you paid by cc, dispute the charge with your cc company and get it reversed.
Even if the OP paid by credit card, it's too late to dispute it. The bill was paid 7 months ago.

[Ele201]

I really would appreciate some advice. Last July, I was treated by one of The Villages physicians. Before the procedure, I paid my co-pay as required by my insurance company and all went well as had been the case for over 5 years; however, a month later I received a bill for $82.12 with no explanation. I paid the bill through my bank and later received an explanation that the charge was for a certain treatement used by the physcian. I had a later appoint with the physician and asked him for an explanation. He confirmed to me that their billing department (he practices with him a very large group) had billed me in error. Ever since, I have been stoned-walled. I have tried to have my insurance company recover the money. I have tried any number of times via phone and in person and, as always I get stoned-walled.

Is there a way through small claims court that I can possibly get regress? Please advise how I should proceed. Thanks in advance.

genem9191930@gmail.com
I don’t think it’s worth going through the court system, not for $82. You’d also have to pay the small claims court fee to file your claim. Not sure what that is. On the other hand, although it’s not a big amount of money there is the principle of the matter, which is that you were unfairly charged.

Frankly since you already paid it, the doctor’s billing Dept. likely doesn’t want any further involvement. And that’s how they’re acting, as you said they haven’t responded when you call or even go over. By paying it you accepted the charge, and better to have ignored it but that’s a moot point. But there has to be a reason that treatment wasn’t covered by your insurance. Did the medical group even bill your insurance first before billing you? They should have. Anyway good luck with this situation, it is annoying, but not worth going to small claims court.

[Quixote]

You can file a complaint with the department that oversees the medical profession, I have done something similar with a local bank and immediately got a call to follow-up with the problem that I could not get anyone to look at for 6 months. You might have the same response with the practice, once you get their attention.

Sorry to say how fruitless filing such a complaint would be. I have a condition that was not properly treated by a local physician, as verified by a highly recognized specialist working out of a nationally renowned speciaialty hospital. The lawyers for the state hired a medical crony to prepare a multi-page comprehensive report for them, a copy of which I was entitled to.

I and others read it more than once and were shocked not just at the glib exoneration of the medical colleague but the fact that my condition that was at the heart of the problem was never mentioned even once! When I pointed this out, I was ignored. Out of spite, the doctor I complained about cut me off from all other (unrelated) services in that practice. What a level of childish pettiness!

Welcome to Florida! You 'ain't' up north anymore, where state government agencies are actually supportive of the residents. I have lived here many years and cannot count how many locals I've dissuaded from getting care there and instead going elsewhere within the same distance....

[huge-pigeons]

You should have disputed this with your credit card company after the 1st month. I’d still try to. If you win in small claims court it doesn’t mean you will get paid.

[SusanStCatherine]

I read that Seniors vs Crime in The Villages solved this same problem for another resident at no cost. Good luck!
Seniors Vs Crime, Project of FL Attorney General - Google Search (https://g.co/kgs/p7kGGA)

[Papa_lecki]

Use th explanation of benefits from the insurance company, certified letter to the billing department, hand deliver second letter to doc.

Leave bad review on social media, google, etc

File complaint at seniors vs crime.

[spinner1001]

I really would appreciate some advice. Last July, I was treated by one of The Villages physicians. Before the procedure, I paid my co-pay as required by my insurance company and all went well as had been the case for over 5 years; however, a month later I received a bill for $82.12 with no explanation. I paid the bill through my bank and later received an explanation that the charge was for a certain treatement used by the physcian. I had a later appoint with the physician and asked him for an explanation. He confirmed to me that their billing department (he practices with him a very large group) had billed me in error. Ever since, I have been stoned-walled. I have tried to have my insurance company recover the money. I have tried any number of times via phone and in person and, as always I get stoned-walled.

Is there a way through small claims court that I can possibly get regress? Please advise how I should proceed. Thanks in advance.

genem9191930@gmail.com

You might reduce the next payment to your doc’s office by $82, include a written explanation of the adjustment and instructing them to adjust your balance due to zero. Keep notes of all your efforts and a copy of your written explanation.

[MidWestIA]

review him on health grades print it show it to them in person and say will you refund or do I review that you refused in person with your name on it. You need a new Dr if you do this

[Mrs. B]

This would be Medicare or insurance fraud which is a huge concern. Google this for info and processes. Mention this terminology to the billing department for resolution or call in a report if not resolved. I would also find a new doctor.

[lindaelane]

There are some good ideas here. You might want to do more than one thing. Here is an idea to add to your arsenal.

Some are unaware that an office with more than one doctor will have a "practice manager". They can help with various problems related to management, perhaps even more than physicians. Ask to speak to the practice manager (by phone or in person) then say that your physician has done all he/she could but nothing has happened and ask if the practice manager can help.

This works for multiple types of problems at doctor's offices, but just be careful it is not seen as "complaining about doctors and/or staff" over non-essential matters (yes, they talk behind your back at medical offices)- say they did their best but it looks like more help might be needed.

[Bigmo93]

I really would appreciate some advice. Last July, I was treated by one of The Villages physicians. Before the procedure, I paid my co-pay as required by my insurance company and all went well as had been the case for over 5 years; however, a month later I received a bill for $82.12 with no explanation. I paid the bill through my bank and later received an explanation that the charge was for a certain treatement used by the physcian. I had a later appoint with the physician and asked him for an explanation. He confirmed to me that their billing department (he practices with him a very large group) had billed me in error. Ever since, I have been stoned-walled. I have tried to have my insurance company recover the money. I have tried any number of times via phone and in person and, as always I get stoned-walled.

Is there a way through small claims court that I can possibly get regress? Please advise how I should proceed. Thanks in advance.

genem9191930@gmail.com

If you paid with a credit card (high you should), file a dispute with credit card company and let them deal with it. You likely will have to submit a discussion on how you were billed in error.

[joelfmi]

Good Luck

[Elli59]

Medical facilities have patient advocates / representatives or ombudsmen. It must be posted in a public place. This may be another avenue to try.

[Sandy and Ed]

Probably could win in Small claims court. Might want to check where court house is. We live in the north end (Sumter County) and believe that closest court house is in Bushnell. Ten years ago, filing fee was over $200. Pursuing a small claims court case will be more aggravating than it is worth. If you have two trips to the courthouse gas costs would significantly eat into the $82.00
You are of course right but if you prevailed couldn’t you add the cost of pursuing the bill to your reward?? Also why not obtain the name of the third party billing company (who may get a percent of monies collected) and include them in your suit and in social media? Also if you paid by credit card just dispute the charge and have cc company reverse the payment? Finally if the doctor agreed why doesn’t he just bill you a credit (reverse charge) for the procedure code that was billed to you? I’m not an attorney but the very last thing I would do is let it slide. If enough people simply let it slide it might encourage the billing company to add another revenue stream to their books. Go get them!!

[collegeref]

Have a shirt made up that says
Dr. ————- over charges patients. Or the practice he works in. Wear it at the Square.
Works every time.

[Sandy and Ed]

This would be Medicare or insurance fraud which is a huge concern. Google this for info and processes. Mention this terminology to the billing department for resolution or call in a report if not resolved. I would also find a new doctor.
Medicare fraud??? Don’t make me laugh. I use a bi-pad due to diaphragm issues. I CONSTANTLY get invitations to get automatic resupplies since “Medicare will pay for it”. NO Medicare does not pay for unnecessary resupply of these items. YOU and I and all taxpayers pay for it. How many commercials on TV use that phrase to encourage you to order a product or to ask your doctor for a prescription? How many home health care nursing companies call for in home Medicare paid consults? The watchdog of Medicare (HCFA) is a joke. I spent some years working for well known companies that provided ancillary care and then housekeeping services to nursing homes. I equate these companies with used car or Rug salesmen. Back in the 90’s they started to open the door into Nursing Homes and Medicare but Congress slammed that door pretty fast. Big business with powerful lobby.

[Lea N]

I really would appreciate some advice. Last July, I was treated by one of The Villages physicians. Before the procedure, I paid my co-pay as required by my insurance company and all went well as had been the case for over 5 years; however, a month later I received a bill for $82.12 with no explanation. I paid the bill through my bank and later received an explanation that the charge was for a certain treatement used by the physcian. I had a later appoint with the physician and asked him for an explanation. He confirmed to me that their billing department (he practices with him a very large group) had billed me in error. Ever since, I have been stoned-walled. I have tried to have my insurance company recover the money. I have tried any number of times via phone and in person and, as always I get stoned-walled.

Is there a way through small claims court that I can possibly get regress? Please advise how I should proceed. Thanks in advance.

genem9191930@gmail.com

Like so many others have said small claims court would cost more than it's worth. However, it isn't worth it to them either. They'd have to pay someone to be there. That in itself might be enough to get their attention. You could try the BBB, but I don't know if it would help or not.

[Lea N]

Have a shirt made up that says
Dr. ————- over charges patients. Or the practice he works in. Wear it at the Square.
Works every time.

What a creative and attention getting idea.

[Babubhat]

Filing costs will exceed claim value. Plus travel costs and time expended

[arickis]

It would cost you hundreds to file a claim, with no guarantee to collect money even if you win. Not worth it.

[keepsake]

Cheating --

I welcome anyone who has read all the 'crap' Advent Health is requiring a patient to sign, BEFORE treatment of any kind.
Please comment. I walked out with treatment.

[Ptmckiou]

It doesn’t make since to go to small claims court over $82, because it will cost you more than that in time and money. Let it go.

[blueash]

You have been given the correct information by Papa but I want to reinforce that answer.

Look at your explanation of benefits [EOB] from your insurance company for that encounter. I can 100% guarantee you that your treating physician is not familiar with the exact wording of your specific plan, rather only knows in general terms what is covered or not covered.

The 82 could be a copay, a coinsurance, a deductible or a non covered procedure cost. The EOB will detail exactly what you owe for that visit and why you owe it. If you cannot access the EOB online under "claims" or a similar tab, call the carrier and they should tell you over the phone.

Look at all the earlier visits as well. It is possible you owed the 82 from an earlier visit not the one in July and it took time to be processed.

If you are unable to find a reason for the charge after this then you need to contact the office manager for the practice and tell him/her that you have been unable to resolve this with the billing office. Again, your doctor is not the person who knows about charges, copays, deductibles, coinsurance and coverage denials.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

I once had an appointment that was a 1 Hour Drive from my home, drove there paid for parking walked up multiple flights of stairs only to find out that my appointment was canceled and no one bothered to notify me. I went downstairs and filed a complaint with the ombudsman, then went back home, figured out the mileage and the time I lost from work, it was just shy of $300.00, I deducted it from a bill I had for co-pays along with an explanation. They accepted it without question and reduced the amount owed on my co-pays.

You are my hero!

[RiderOnTheStorm]

review him on health grades print it show it to them in person and say will you refund or do I review that you refused in person with your name on it. You need a new Dr if you do this

Translate please.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Like so many others have said small claims court would cost more than it's worth. However, it isn't worth it to them either. They'd have to pay someone to be there. That in itself might be enough to get their attention. You could try the BBB, but I don't know if it would help or not.

I doubt that this would work. The practice would likely not show up, forcing the judge to enter a default judgement. You still have the same problem trying to collect which is always the hardest part.

[chrissy2231]

I really would appreciate some advice. Last July, I was treated by one of The Villages physicians. Before the procedure, I paid my co-pay as required by my insurance company and all went well as had been the case for over 5 years; however, a month later I received a bill for $82.12 with no explanation. I paid the bill through my bank and later received an explanation that the charge was for a certain treatement used by the physcian. I had a later appoint with the physician and asked him for an explanation. He confirmed to me that their billing department (he practices with him a very large group) had billed me in error. Ever since, I have been stoned-walled. I have tried to have my insurance company recover the money. I have tried any number of times via phone and in person and, as always I get stoned-walled.

Is there a way through small claims court that I can possibly get regress? Please advise how I should proceed. Thanks in advance.

genem9191930@gmail.com
call your insurance company.

[chrissy2231]

I doubt that this would work. The practice would likely not show up, forcing the judge to enter a default judgement. You still have the same problem trying to collect which is always the hardest part.
small claims is $85

[allsport]

I really would appreciate some advice. Last July, I was treated by one of The Villages physicians. Before the procedure, I paid my co-pay as required by my insurance company and all went well as had been the case for over 5 years; however, a month later I received a bill for $82.12 with no explanation. I paid the bill through my bank and later received an explanation that the charge was for a certain treatement used by the physcian. I had a later appoint with the physician and asked him for an explanation. He confirmed to me that their billing department (he practices with him a very large group) had billed me in error. Ever since, I have been stoned-walled. I have tried to have my insurance company recover the money. I have tried any number of times via phone and in person and, as always I get stoned-walled.

Is there a way through small claims court that I can possibly get regress? Please advise how I should proceed. Thanks in advance.

genem9191930@gmail.com

I had the exact same issue with The Villages physician only I did not pay the fee. They charged me for a biopsy that I never had. I had to get the progress note from my record and read it to them before I could get the problem fixed. They have people with minimal education from one of the worst educated populations in the country doing coding and billing. All that said, it still took six months to get the charge off the bill.

[Rickanvic]

I would file a complaint with AHCA. AHCA: Complaint Administration Unit (https://ahca.myflorida.com/mchq/field_ops/cau.shtml)

[Laker14]

Next time they ask for your co-pay, make an excuse like you don't have your HSA card. They have a choice:send you home and blow the appointment up in smoke, or take your word that you'll pay later. Then, when they contact you for the co-pay you haven't paid, say you'd like to speak to the person in charge.

[Deden]

Always put your over payment refund demand in writing. give a time for a respond! and tell them you will not only call the local news to let the community know how dishonest your practice is. The medical board. Good Luck!!

[JGibson]

20/20 but why did you pay the bill or even give them your CC?

[Oneiric]

If the preliminary remedies mentioned here don't work, file a complaint with the Florida Board of Medicine. Not many medical offices want to argue with their state board.

[llaran]

Never pay a fee you feel is incorrect! wait for ins to pay and see if there should be a write-off, if not and dr says it was a billing error, get it in writing from the Dr.

[Robbb]

I really would appreciate some advice. Last July, I was treated by one of The Villages physicians. Before the procedure, I paid my co-pay as required by my insurance company and all went well as had been the case for over 5 years; however, a month later I received a bill for $82.12 with no explanation. I paid the bill through my bank and later received an explanation that the charge was for a certain treatement used by the physcian. I had a later appoint with the physician and asked him for an explanation. He confirmed to me that their billing department (he practices with him a very large group) had billed me in error. Ever since, I have been stoned-walled. I have tried to have my insurance company recover the money. I have tried any number of times via phone and in person and, as always I get stoned-walled.

Is there a way through small claims court that I can possibly get regress? Please advise how I should proceed. Thanks in advance.

genem9191930@gmail.com

Short pay his next bill by $82 and let them sue you

[bsloan1960]

It doesn’t make since to go to small claims court over $82, because it will cost you more than that in time and money. Let it go.

It was my suggestion initially to Threaten Small Claims Court- NOT to actually file.

[retiredguy123]

It was my suggestion initially to Threaten Small Claims Court- NOT to actually file.
So, an empty threat?