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 12:38:38 · 28 answers · asked by carrie s 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
i would just pay the $15 bucks.
chin
2006-12-13 12:40:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is hard to believe that such a letter would be sent to you when you owe such a small amount, only $15.00. I would assume that it is something his accountant does automatically after a certain period of time goes by without receiving a payment. You should call his office and ask if you can pay the $15.00 and continue going to that doctor, if you still want to have him as a physician. You could say that you overlooked the bill or that you were waiting to see if your insurance would pay it, something that would show that you weren't just ignoring the bill purposely. But you might want to look for another doctor. This time, be sure to pay all bills as soon as you receive them.
2006-12-13 12:46:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anniesgran 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I've been there ... but for a balance that might have been more deserving of such a thing! In my case they had told me they were participating with my insurance, and apparently they accept it but it was processed differently so I ended up with a $200+ balance I didn't know I had.
Not much to do except find another doctor. It's not vindictive, it's business -- however, for balances like that I don't much see the point! If you have had a good relationship with the doctor I'd try calling them and see if you can work something out. Typically these kinds of letters are automatically generated.
2006-12-13 12:43:18 · answer #3 · answered by laurie888 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a little "over the top", but it's pretty much a basic collection letter from a doctor's office, I believe. I worked at a doctor's office and our final collection letter was very similar to that. I'm sorry that it was sent to you, with apparently not much attempt to work with you on collecting the amount, if it was just due in September! Take care, and start searching for a new neurologist now, so that no nasty surprises happen at the end of the 30 days. Good luck.
2006-12-13 12:43:24 · answer #4 · answered by donnabellekc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is there a reason why you didn't pay it? Usually in this case you can contact the attorney on the paper & they are more than happy to take the money instead of going to court. That's probably your best bet...just call them & make some kind of payment arrangement. By the way, if this ever happens again, talk to the doctor office when you receive the very 1st bill & make payment arrangements rather than let it go this far. They are more than willing to work with you.
2006-12-13 12:41:36 · answer #5 · answered by Jaysangl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you really owe the $15? If you do then pay it, if not, then ask them about it to see if it can be cleared up. I don't think that they can refuse you care even if you owe them money.
Have they tried to contact you by phone or mail to try and collect this? Have you ever recieved a bill? I've seen it happen where there has been a mistake with billing medical stuff. I myself had to fight about it with my insurance not paying what they were supposed to and they ended up having to pay atleast $2500 that I proved they DID have to pay and not me.
Well, good luck and hope it all works out.
2006-12-13 12:44:19 · answer #6 · answered by kerrberr95 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does seem fairly over the top for the amount of $15. Call your doctor's office and ask to speak to the office manager. See if you can pay the amount and be allowed to stay in your physician's practice.
2006-12-13 12:41:43 · answer #7 · answered by maggiepirsq 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you received a bill from them since Sept? Or is this a first time?
I would call the doctors office first thing in the morning and ask them what you can do to remain their patient, explain to them the need for the medication and maybe offer to pay $1 a month?
The best of luck! Merry Christmas..
P.S.
No I do not think this is vindictive of them. Just their billing department trying to collect. Many doctors offices do this same thing.
2006-12-13 12:49:49 · answer #8 · answered by jmb28144 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Find another neurologist, this one sounds like a creep.
It's hard to believe this is how today's medicine is practiced
in the United States, yet, it's become just another business.
Sad fact.
Or, you could just pay the $15. & quick, before they start
tagging on interest.
Good luck!
2006-12-13 12:45:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it vindictive - no, it is the accountants sending out their standard notice. The objective is to have you so scared that you pay up immediately. The doctor probably has no idea this has even been sent out. If you haven't received a bill, then go ahead & contact the accountant's services of the doctor's, explain the situation, and pay up.
2006-12-13 12:41:37 · answer #10 · answered by Big Super 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
pay the 15 dollars and see him until you can find someone new. Didn't you have a phone call? To just get that letter with no warning is ignorant
2006-12-13 12:40:54 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋