For those of you who've been following my kitty/kidney saga, it turns out that my cat tested the same levels for blood and urine when I got a second opinion. Dr. Badfield left out the fact that it could possibly be a bladder infection instead of a problem with the kidneys. This second vet charged me $60 when Badfield charged me $250 for the same tests. They also lied repeatedly on the phone about there being no office charge ($34.95) for a dental appointment and I have this on tape. Is there any way I can get my money back or can I report them to someone?
2007-09-21 05:47:05 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes Banfield is extremely OVERPRICED!!!
Just tell everyone to go to the second vet.
Banfield gave us several free visit coupons and discount coupons for our adoptions and we ignored them. Even with all their coupons the outrages charges are not worth it.
2007-09-21 05:53:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They probably did not overcharge you to be malicious in the way that you think. Most likely, they just charge a lot more for the same thing. It's unfortunate, but if that's what they charge everybody for that procedure, there's nothing you can do about it.
I would suggest that you be very upfront with them. Take the bill from the second vet to Badfield and ask why it was so much more there. Also play the tape(s) for them and say that you want your money back for that. Really, you should have refused to pay that in the first place to help your case in court.
Before you go all the way to the top, make sure you talk to the owner of the practice. That is not necessarily the veterinarian; it could be a hospital manager. If that person still refuses to correct the problem, then you can take it all the way to the top.
Tell the owner that you are you feel wronged and are going to take it up with the organization that accredits them. As far as I know, the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) accredits all veterinary hospitals in America. If the animal hospital has a web page, this information is most likely available there, if not in the office somewhere.
If worse comes to worst, you could sue them in small claim's court, but this could be a long process, and you might not end up winning anything back. I would honestly suggest complaining as far up the chain that you can get and maybe swallowing your pride to let it go.
Then, just don't go back to that veterinary office. Write them a letter explaining why you are leaving and also explain that you will recommend to everyone that you know that they shouldn't take their animals there.
The first thing to do, however, is to take it up with them. Maybe things aren't as they appear. Take the time to hear thier side of the story before you jump to conclusions. Perhaps whoever you spoke to on the phone didn't know about the office charge, or maybe the methods used by Dr. Badfield ruled out a bladder infection somehow.
The best thing to keep in mind about this is that there are two sides to every story.
2007-09-21 06:16:26 · answer #2 · answered by bride_of_christ728 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Did you get a quotation for the costs up front? Did you get a printed list of charges? Businesses can charge what they like unless you think the charges are somehow fradulent. When you say you have it on tape, are you talking about an answering machine or voicemail? There are some laws regarding recording someone without their consent so you should check to see if this applies.
If you think you were lied to or received poor care, contact their corporate headquarters and ask to speak to the CEO:
http://www.banfield.net/about/contact.asp
You will likely get some low level functionary but you never know. The company may have a customer relations manager. You should let them know exactly what happened, where you think they overcharged and request that they reduce the charges or provide a reasonable explanation.
You can also check with the attorney general for your state to see if there is anyone that can help you. If you charged this on a credit card, you can contest the charges but you will have to provide proof.
I would never return to a vet I didn't trust completely. I would leave a vet in a heartbeat if the services no longer met my expectations or the costs seemed excessive. I would get everything in writing, up front, a week or so before (if possible) any scheduled procedure so I could check prices.
Veterinary costs are going through the roof, rising faster than inflation along with human medical costs which are now out of control. Customers have to be hard headed about costs in order to keep them in line and their pets well cared for.
I would also let friends know about your experiences so that the problem business mends their ways and good businesses receive more business.
2007-09-21 06:52:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow, and I almost went there this morning! I couldn't get my cat out of the couch and by time he came out on his own (with a little coaxing and a razor blade to cut through the lining) it was way past our appointment time.
I called my regular vet who told me that kitty would be fine to wait the couple days it would take to get an appointment with him. My vet's OV's are less, and no charge if they actually find something wrong with the cat.
2007-09-21 07:27:51 · answer #4 · answered by Chief High Commander, UAN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a state office for veterinary affairs probably located at your state's capital. Check online for a veterinary board (and your state's name), you should be able to find it.
2007-09-21 14:39:46 · answer #5 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take them to small claims court. You don't
need a lawyer. Just be sure you have your
facts right.
2007-09-21 05:54:54 · answer #6 · answered by Ski Freedom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋