Deceiving medical practice..
I scheduled an appointment 2 weeks in advance for a physical. Prior I had a telephone conversation with the office staff as well as 2 corresponding emails. I arrive at my appointment today to be told that I need to pay $225 "retainer fee", since I have dual insurances. I told the receptionist I dont have $225. She said we just charge you that to make sure your insurance will pay us, your healthcare insurance will reimburse you. Usually physician offices will have their staff check/ verify elgibility prior to an appointment. You mean to tell me no one checked my insurances to verify 2 weeks before today?? Very strange... also having to wait for health insurance to pay this back? Strange
What in the world kind of scam is this?!?
She then states that I have to pay $75 fee as a "no show" per the practice policy. I told her that doesnt make sense since Im here at the office, so I did show up. I was then told that I should just go ahead and pay the retainer because at least I know I will get something back.
I told the receptionist and nurse that they can go ahead and just bill me.
What a disgrace to the medical profession charging a "retainer" and then on top of that not being clear with potential new patient of the fee!
If anything this office should be paying me /reimbursing me for my time wasted, since I took off work.
Beware!!