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| - ALL THEY WANT IS YOUR MONEY!!!!
I had seen Dr. Shapiro in June of 2013 for an initial consult. He went over everything told me and my husband what tests would need to be done in order to start IVF treatment (some tests either myself or my husband had done from a previous doctor he wanted to do a repeat of it). After the consultation with Dr. Shapiro, he directed us to see the new patient coordinator, Debbie R. She was helpful with going over what the next steps were going to be and showing us a price list of how much it would cost for our portion -with both our insurances. I was surprised how both Dr. Shapiro and Debbie were on a personal basis with us and how they stated that they were there to help us. While in the office with Dr. Shapiro he sent me an email, which I was able to check right there thru my cell phone, and told us that if we have any questions to feel free to send him an email anytime. On Debbie's business card that she provided in the new patient packet she even listed her cell phone number. I left the office that it was nice to know that The staff at the Fertility Center would be available whenever.
A few hours after I had left the office I received a call from, Veronica at the Fertility Center, and was informed that both my insurances will not cover anything - diagnostic and/or the treatment because I had previously taken a hormone pill to help with my fertility. I had to cancel the diagnostic testings that we had both scheduled for later that week because the Fertility Center stated that they will be collecting over $3,000 up front.
From my research and talking to several people who had IVF treatment before, most insurances do not cover treatment, but there a more insurances out there that will at least cover the costs for any diagnostic testing prior to treatment, which is what I was expecting.
Two months later I received a bill from the Fertility Center for $287.00, which was cash pay for the initial consult that I had in June. I work for a medical practice and understand how billing and insurances work. Just because insurances may not cover or have a preexisting on IVF treatment, it does not mean that they will not cover an initial consultation. Before I called the Fertility Center about the charge I contacted my primary insurance to see if they have received a claim for that office visit. I also went over my benefits as far as what my insurance covers as far as infertility, , and treatment.
I attempted numerous times to get a hold of their billing department but I would always get directed to Gwen, from billing, voice mail. I later called back my insurance and had a rep call the facility and have the billing department send a claim for the office visit that they were trying to collect cash from me. Less than a month later, my insurance had paid for the claim. My balance of $287.00 dropped to my primary insurance copay which was $60.00 ((that is a lot of money they tried to get from me!!!)). I waited a week later and followed up with Gwen and requested that she send the $60 copay charge to my secondary insurance for them to pick up. I informed Gwen if my secondary insurance does not pick up the remaining $60 I will then take care of the balance. Gwen stated that she would first need the check from my primary insurance before she can send the claim out to my secondary insurance. That process I understood so I just waited.
Less than two months have passed and I received a bill in the mail from the Fertility Center for $60. I immediately called Gwen to follow up because I had called my secondary insurance and they haven't received any claim from their facility regarding my office visit in June. As usual, you can never get a hold of her and get directed to her voice mail. I followed up 2 weeks later because Gwen hasn't returned my call yet, and same thing I had to leave a message. To take it to a higher level I tried to get a hold of the office manager and to no surprise I got directed to voice mail and had to leave a message for Shelley.
It's lucky that I understand how medical and billing works. I feel sorry for the rest of the people who were told the same and ended up paying thousands of dollars in hopes of having a baby. After discussing my experience with others I have heard numerous times that Dr. Shapiro and/or the Fertility Center is known for just wanting your money. NEVER EVER would I recommend the FERTILITY CENTER to ANYBODY. THEY AUTOMATICALLY TELL YOU YOUR INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER AND YOU HAVE TO PAY CASH UP FRONT!
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