Any Disadvantage to "Reporting" Doctor

Hi! I know that you guys recommended a certified letter and I didn't do it, partially out of fear that the doctor might do something like charge me for the insurance portion of the machine instead of charging insurance or something.

Well...the next saga is that I asked for the receipt to get the rebate. They wanted me to send the rebate form to them. I did. They now refuse to take my phone calls so that I can make the appt to visit them regarding the 2 week check. I thought this was a compliance check and I feared that they'd claim that insurance wouldn't pay if I didn't do required compliance checks. So I call the insurance and find out that I'm not even required to do compliance checks. I know that this doctor could care less about my health.

The latest insurance lady says that as long as I have my machine, I'm safe, no one will come to take my machine back and they will continue to pay the claims until the "rental" period is over. This is a "rent to own" so I do own it after the rental payments are done. She was apparently very experienced in my plan (it's a self insured plan) and she really advised me to report the guy for charging $50 extra for the machine, stealing the slimline hose, standard water tank and 2 pillows and charging for said items. She said that since I don't want to see him and he's been paid, there's nothing he can do to retaliate for reporting his factual behaviors.

I have found a new doctor who I will see in 2 wks. I'm thinking that if I can get in with a new doctor, then I should go ahead and report the guy. The insurance lady thinks they can "encourage" him to give me the tube, humidifier tank, pillows, $50 and receipt so that I can get the rebate.

Do you think the insurance company can really get this stuff for me? Is it worth it? Do I have anything to fear from this Doctor if I report him?

I can't imagine that you would, but stop being afraid anyway! You sound like you're afraid of him, the insurance co. (even if they turned out to be nice), and the office staff. Without you, none of them would have jobs, remember? If you act meek and look ready for kicking, someone will kick you, but if you demand your rights you'll be way ahead. What a sleaze he's being!

If you act meek and look ready for kicking, someone will kick you

Now that's truth Julie.

MitzyG wrote:Do you think the insurance company can really get this stuff for me? Is it worth it? Do I have anything to fear from this Doctor if I report him?

if you don't want to do it for yourself, file a complaint with the insurance company and state regulator so no one else falls victim to this guy with no integrity!

Thanks for your support....I really appreciate it.

After I see new doctor, I'll chase this turd and hope to get some stuff back. It'll also give me more "treatment time" and maybe with a bit more sleep I'll be stronger. Honestly, it's been a tough 4 mos with a severe allergic reaction, then the cpap ups/downs, then a dramatic situation at work during the same period... Put all of it together and it's all been overwhelming, which explains part of my fear/paranoia/imbalance.

When you are right, you are right.

Please do not fear any retribution from said physician. People like him/her that are abusive to the system and their patients are why healthcare has become so expensive in our country.

I would report him immediately, via letter, to: this physician, the AMA, the Insurance Commissioner, Better Business Bureau, your own insurance company, and any partners he/she works with. I would let them know that you kindly asked for your improperly billed money back and all stolen items that came with the machine and masks returned to you immediately. Despite your efforts, no action was taken by the physician's office.

Furthermore, I would add that this physician's office has now decided to not take your calls. For these reasons, you wanted to notify the above institutions.

You could even write one letter and add below your signature, cc: AMA, Insurance Commissioner, Better Business Bureau of (your hometown), the Board or partners of this physician, and your own insurance company. Then, send the very same letter to each carbon copied party.

If this person has actually stolen from you, why are you afraid to take action?

Good Luck,
TheWino

insurance companies have legal contracts with the dme/doctors. if she said she could get your stuff back, trust her. they are probably in violation of their contract and she will explain about them losing their contract.

Wino - I have no idea why I'm so frightened. Honestly, I do think it's partially due to the stress of everything going on, recovery from the sleep loss etc and it's making me anxious/fearful. I had feared that they would send legal letters demanding my machine back. But since the insurance lady says no, I have to trust that. I don't think I was ever TRULY paranoid enough to believe that a repo man would come for my machine... But I was fearing "interruption of treatment". Thank heavens they cannot remotely disable the unit or something.

I know that *I* didn't receive these items. I also know that they opened the stuff and specifically made me sign a paper that says that I got machine, heated hose and upgraded tank. I don't think it said "I got everything that the manufacturer included in the box" I admit that I was truly focused on a NEW (not previously breathed on) Autoset machine, with modern firmware etc. I did receive that. I remind the insurance and myself that I have been sleep deprived during part of this process and stressed out due to the doctor pulling these things.

One other "fears"...this doctor is involved. It's not "the staff is doing this and the doctor is too busy doctoring to realize". I know the doctor knows...1) based on his demeanor (he acts like he doesn't want to speak to me...particularly after I told him I wanted an AUTOSET not Escape auto - most of the time, if this level of discussion happens, the doctor will take a moment and pop in, resolve the issue and give the assistant the orders. He kept making his assistant run back and forth like 5 times). And 2) because every time I call, they put me off "I have to ask the doctor". And in the office, they run back and forth asking him. I believe they are speaking to him and following his orders.

I know I was suspicious and scared before...but I think what has now "thrown me over the edge" more than I was before was this issue with the rebate and the fact that no receipt is available. I'm not asking for much...just the facts...I bought Autoset and mask, hose, tank and this much was billed to me/insurance. What's the big fat hairy deal, unless they have something to hide? I think they wanted the rebate form to "prove" why I was asking. And because of this situation, I tried to be super nice and super "innocent". I didn't say "I think you're cheating me" But the truth is, I wouldn't have even asked for the receipt except for the rebate. I sort of thought they'd offer the cash, thinking that they could avoid any problems.

When I called to make an appointment, I called at multiple times, multiple days. They used to answer the phone IMMEDIATELY. And more often than not, they have time to answer the phone because I watch them while waiting for this and that. I see that they're answering phones during office hours. But suddenly, after 2 mos they don't answer the phone and let it go to voicemail? They don't respond to my emails? And this behavior started after asking for a receipt?

Again...I think all of you for being supportive of me. My father thinks I should forget it and I tried...but so much has to be forgiven...it's costing a bundle! I'm now at the point of agreeing with you folks...I have to report him before he does this to a coworker! I should be wanting to do it for the public...but I guess it feels more personal to do it for someone I might know.

you need to learn to stand up for yourself and not be afraid of what someone will do or think. If it was me i would report them and pray that they do something stupid in retribution that i can use against them again.

MitzyG wrote:I have no idea why I'm so frightened.

See -> http://doctorstevenpark.com/how-sleep-a ... ic-attacks

MitzyG wrote: It'll also give me more "treatment time" and maybe with a bit more sleep I'll be stronger. Honestly, it's been a tough 4 mos with a severe allergic reaction, then the cpap ups/downs, then a dramatic situation at work during the same period... Put all of it together and it's all been overwhelming, which explains part of my fear/paranoia/imbalance.

May I suggest that, with everything you have going on, the nuclear option might not be good for you.

Any Disadvantage to "Reporting" Doctor

Choose your battles. Why not just go for the "stuff" the practice owes you and forget straightening out this guy.

Sometimes you need to think of yourself and leave saving the world from fiends to others.

Good luck!

Someone gave advice here a long time ago that I've always remembered...Don't think of yourself as a "patient", but rather a "customer". Would you have any fear of complaining to Walmart if your merchandise wasn't in order? Keep us posted.

In my opinion, would not accomplish your desired result. I guess I should ask what is your desired result? Reporting him will not get him fired or even cost him his license. As I see It you are frustrated and that is understandable. What you should do is get your stuff back and change doctors, which you already have. Yes your insurance company will get your stuff back and if he doesn't comply they will take appropriate action.

Tell your friends your experience with him and recommend that they don't use him. I don't see a point in ever talking to him again, let insurance handle all correspondence from this point forward and get on with your life.

I'm not trying to ruin the guy and I'm not out for "revenge". I just want the stuff that came with the mask and the machine, receipt (so that I can get my rebate) and $$$ back. I don't think that's too much to ask. I'll get my prescription from new doctor.

I do tell my friends/coworkers not to go to the guy.

Thewino wrote:I would report him immediately, via letter, to: ... the AMA ... TheWino

The AMA, at this point, is primarily a physicians' lobbying group, IMHO. Reporting anything like this to them, and expecting any kind of action, is to set oneself up for frustration.