Terribly Dr's appt, but still charged $400. Should I complain or deal with it?

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Darksuns

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I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer during surgery on Dec 07. My surgeon referred me to an Oncologist for additional treatment. This oncologist flies to my town twice a month to see patients. After pushing my appointment back twice, I finally got to see her. My appt was at 2:15pm. I was not seen until 4. Her plane (tiny private plane at a little airport) was scheduled to leave at 5pm that day to go home. The first thing she said to me was, "I don't know what you want me to do for you. I don't do thyroids." During the course of our 10 minute visit, she left the room 3 times to talk to her driver on the phone to discuss arrangements to get to the plane on time (I could hear her talking.) She said that she couldn't do anything for me, and that I should go back to my surgeon.
Two days ago, I received a bill for $400 for that appointment.
Do you think I have a reason to complain about this doctor or should I just deal with it? Am i wrong to think that I shouldn't have to pay for this?
 
I think you should complain and talk to your surgeon about it. Your surgeon should never have referred you to this Oncologist if she doesn't even deal with the kind of cancer that you have!

Personally I would fight the bill as it is outrageous and didn't get anything at all for your money. If you have health insurance, I would definately call them and let them know what happened and hopefully they can intervene.

I don't know where you are in the world, however here in the US we can usually contact our State Attorney General for problems like this.

Good luck!

Michelle
 
What an awful experience. Tell as many people as you know about your experience with that doctor and make sure you tell them her name and what she did to you. Also, tell your regular doctor what happened and ask him or her for advice.
 
That is awful. I would report her and most definitely complain about it. She wants you to pay $400 for her to insult you????

Please speak with the Dr. that referred her also. Do not pay.
She did not help you and gave you any medical advise.
 
For a 10 minute that is too high. Ask for a bill with the insurance procedure code on it. Also ask for a copy of your chart notes. She likley did something called upcoding the visit. It is not legal. Check into it. She most likley wrote the visit up as more comprehensive than it really was. It is not legal.
 
It was just a consultation and they should have fees/ policies on those! I think you should complain. You weren't operated on or given a regimine. You just talked to her for $400.. what a hefty fee to pay to be turned away! It sounds like she was there to collect your money and nothing else.
 
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