[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

[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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

What a creative and attention getting idea.

[Babubhat]

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