I have a neurological problem and I'm on a couple medications. The medicine can't be stopped suddenly. I received a certified letter today from my doctor today dated November 27, 2006...
I'll have to leave out personal information-
BALANCE $15.00
This is to inform you that your overdue account has now been turned over to our Attorney for further action.
Under the circumstances, there will be no further appointments or services available to you from this office. If you had an appointment scheduled, it has been cancelled. For the next 30 days ,you will be seen only under emergency conditions. We are giving you 30 days notice in order to give you ample time to avail yourself of the services of another physician.
We regret to have to take this drastic action, however, since we have been unable to collect your outstanding balance, we feel that we have no other alternitive.
IS THIS VINDICTIVE, also is it hard to find another neurologist fast? Its $15 billed Sept
2006-12-13 11:56:56 · 13 answers · asked by carrie s 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Don't take the letter personally. Most practices have people who do nothing but monitor the practice's finances. My guess is that after a certain period of time, a database spits out a list of people who have any outstanding balance, and they all get a letter like this. The doctor himself probably would have no idea you'd gotten this letter if you walked into his office tomorrow.
If you like seeing this doctor, call his office and straighten this out. No physician is going to leave you hanging when you're on medication that can't be stopped.
2006-12-13 12:08:09 · answer #1 · answered by Sahara 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you have medical insurance? I would contact them, the doctors office, or pay the $15.00.
Do you feel confident and trust this doctor with your health issues? If you do, call the office and ask to speak with someone in the accounting or billing department. Many mailings are computer generated. The $15.00 balance may be something remaining on their books from earlier this year and they need to reconcile their books before December 31, 2006.
Do you have enough medication to get you through the next 30 days or so? If not, call the doctor's office. This may be considered an emergency situation as another doctor may not want to write a prescription without first examining you.
2006-12-13 20:31:09 · answer #2 · answered by dudette 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they shouldn't be getting so bent out of shape over $15, hell, I've had some medical bills in the $100s for years, they just go to collections, but medical debts don't count against you the way say, credit card debt does...
however, it sounds like they're jerks, and maybe you should pay them and get a new doctor anyway...
also, the laws about doctors bills may vary from state to state...
good luck!
p.s. you can always be seen at a hospital or clinic and expalin your situation so you can get a new prescription before you run out of meds
2006-12-13 20:05:51 · answer #3 · answered by Elaine T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have to agree with both Orinoco and Sahara. There are office managers that handle billing and the Dr. does not always know a letter was sent out. It is not vindictive or mean. you see the Dr. pay him (or her) an outstanding bill will hurt your credit and for the ones that say they have outstanding bills in the 100.00s. ummm nothing to brag about. you can't walk into a store and take a shirt and not expect to pay for it. pay for your Dr services and you won't have any problems. I never understood people that think you don't have to pay for what the Dr. did. drives me crazy!!! The Dr. has bills he has to pay...insurance, staff, supplies, equipment......
get treated, pay your bill!!!!!
2006-12-13 20:51:12 · answer #4 · answered by schmoopie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i recommend you leave the great USA and come to a developed country like Canada where no one is ever turned away a billion are and a man with out a dollar both get the same wonderful professional care and we don't get sent bills.
i hope that you use this incident to enlighten the others in your country of the many things that are far from wonderful there.
2006-12-13 20:17:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would pay the $15-00 and write a letter of apology and see if there is any way to be re-instated to continue to see my doctor.
It is hard to find a good doctor, let alone a good neurologist.
2006-12-13 20:02:20 · answer #6 · answered by Orinoco 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm surprised your doctored billed you for only $15. Is this a neurologist in private practice? $15,000 then I'd understand.
It;s going to be pretty hard to find another neurologist. My suggestion would be to find a hospital. hopefully one that treats you first then worries abotu the bills.
2006-12-13 20:01:25 · answer #7 · answered by christigmc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would speak to an attorney about pursuing patient abandonment issues. Do you have a history of being abusive to the physician or his staff? If not, it seems inappropriate to me. I would also contact the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision and file a formal complaint.
2006-12-13 20:05:40 · answer #8 · answered by cynical1963 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A neurologist? For $15? What did you get for $15 from a neurologist?
2006-12-13 20:06:05 · answer #9 · answered by littlemomma 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If doctors let everyone that owed $15 slide they would not be able to pay their staff. Pay the $15 and find another doctor
2006-12-13 20:08:51 · answer #10 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋