#DoctorsOfficeTrouble #UnreachableBilling #MedicalBillingIssue
Hey everyone! 👋 Have you ever had a doctor’s office bill you for a service you already paid for, but then seem impossible to reach to resolve the issue? I’m in that boat right now, and let me tell you, it’s quite the headache. Here’s my situation:
– Specialist office won’t answer phone or respond to texts 📵
– Got billed for two phone consults, paid for one already 💸
– Can’t make partial payment online due to portal issues 🖥️
– Office won’t allow in-person visits without approval 🚪
– Feeling stuck on what steps to take next 🤷♀️
Has anyone else dealt with a similar situation before? Any advice or tips on how to handle this, especially if it ends up going to collections unfairly? I’m all ears for any helpful insights! 🙏 #MedicalBillingHelp #PatientRights #NeedAdvice
Write them a letter, send it by certified mail.
You can dispute this bill in writing, forcing them to prove that you do in fact owe it. Check the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau website for information about what to do if you don’t think you owe a debt.
Write a letter by certified mail, keep a copy, with a brief explanation and state you are willing to pay $X if they agree to a full release of all other claims, and include something for them to sign and send back and then you will mail payment. At the end of the day, unless it’s being reported on your credit, somebody sending you a bill doesn’t really impact you much.
Likely provider is part of a larger network (think name of local hospital or even a doctor’s group). Its rare that a doc is not affiliated with anyone. Message them directly on social media such as LinkedIn. That has helped me in the past.
Have you tried calling your insurance? I have twice successfully gotten providers to talk to me and solve their billing issues pretty quickly when the insurance company representative calls them directly with me on the line.
Not a lawyer – but do medical revenue cycle/compliance.
If the bill is under $500, I would just ignore them. It can’t be send to collections as of last year if it’s lower than that. Otherwise, I would make a complaint with your (former) insurance company. You can also contact the state licensing authority for doctors to see if they can help – considering this is being billed to you under the doctor’s name, they are responsible for their billing team.
Contact your state’s consumer affairs/protection agency. In my state (Michigan), it’s through the Michigan Attorney General’s office. They were helpful and courteous when I had a Comcast billing issue.
You’re getting good advice here. I just want to add to screenshot whatever evidence you have of your previous payments just in case it “disappears.”
I would ignore it. Let it go to collections and continue to ignore. If it’s for less than $500, it won’t show on credit reports.