How can I dispute a doctor's bill?

Question

I have a problem with my ankle that is still ongoing it's probably been like this since February. When the pain became unbearable I went to a noted orthopedic practice in my town on my day off. Normally the maxium time you might wait to see an doctor when you have an appointment for is 20-30 minutes normally it's much less. I value my time greatly I waited two hours to be seen and another 30 minutes in the treatement area(On my day off). My appointment was at 2 pm with traffic and all I didn't get home until 5:30 additionally I had to leave early enough to make the appointment on time. They wasted my whole day. When I was finally seen they took x-rays (10 minutes) and then 20 minutes later the doctor finally appeared. He looked at my leg for five minutes gave me and incorrect diagnosis he failed to notice I have fluid build up on my ankle causing damage that would have been avoided had he given me a correct diagnosis. I now may have to have surgery on my ankle. I now have two sets of Doctor bills one from the doctor who did nothing for me and one from the doctor who has been fixing the problem. My condition has improved under his care but unfortunately surgery will probably still be needed. I have doctors notes of a second opinion. My time is valuable I feel this doctor wasted it and gave me nothing in return. It like the equivalent of someone going to a auto mechanic waiting over two hours JUST to get the car looked it getting a cursory glance fixing nothing and sending a customer the way and expecting to get paid. My insurance company paid their portion of the bill I think that should it be enough under the circumstances or at the very least I should pay very little. Is there any way you can suggest I can dispute this bill or make the billing office of this doctor see my point of view to get a big reduction on this bill? The next doctor wasn't even able to use the x-rays taken. There no benefit to the visit.

Answer 1

I understand your frustration - it's even worse when you work in the field! BUT, the bottom line is - you did receive some service from the first doctor. (It's just like not being able to get your money back if your groceries don't taste like you think they will.) You like to get paid when you work, even if you are having an off day, don't you? Same thing for doctors.

That said, what you should do is call the billing manager and explain your situation. Technically, they're not supposed to write off anything like this - it's considered discrimination under HIPAA (it's favoring one patient over another.) - but I think in light of your issue, they might do it. DO NOT go directly to the doctor - most of them don't have a clue about what goes on on the business end - they're mostly concerned with seeing patients. Therefore, that would be a waste of your time. If you do not get satisfaction from the billing manager - and be nice, I know you're p*ssed, but letting that out will not entice them to help you - then go to the office manager or business manager and see if they can help you. If they don't at least see about a reduction in your portion under the cirumstances, then file a grievance with your insurance company - calling member services will help you do it.

PS - Medicine is not an exact science - that's why they call it a Doctor's PRACTICE. =)

Answer 2

You have to pay the bill.  Even though he did rotten work, he did look at it.  Just like, if you went to work and did rotten work that day, you'd still expect to be paid.

But you sure can try to sue him to get your money back.

Answer 3

first write a letter to the doc and send it certified.

See if he responds. If he doesnt, report him to his states medical board for incorrect diagnosis. that will definately get his attention, and most likely cause him to drop his bill.

Answer 4

The only people who might be able to help you out in this is your insurance company. The first doctor isn't going to reduce his bill because he made a wrong diagnosis and took too much time to do it.

Do you know what they call the guy who graduated dead last in his medical class? Doctor.