Shahin Etebar MD

Since this complaint is in regards to a medical visit I am limited by HIPAA regulations as to how much I can discloseHowever I can inform you of our policy in regards to out of network insuranceWhen patient is seen in my practice with an out of network insurance policy they are responsible for any and all costs not covered by their insurance companyThe patients are advised at the time they call to make the appointment of this policy, and again at the time of arrival to the appointment We do not contract with this individual’s insurance and we are not obligated to accept their rate His insurance company declined to cover the charges therefore we billed him directly for the services he receivedThis is the standard protocol in all medical practices when dealing with out of network PPOsThis gentleman was fully aware that he would be responsible for the uncovered charges when he made the appointment

Since this complaint is in regards to a medical visit I am limited by HIPAA regulations as to how much I can disclose. However I can inform you of our policy in regards to out of network insurance. When patient is seen in my practice with an out of network insurance policy they are responsible for...

any and all costs not covered by their insurance company. The patients are advised at the time they call to make the appointment of this policy, and again at the time of arrival to the appointment.  We do not contract with this individual’s insurance and we are not obligated to accept their rate.  His insurance company declined to cover the charges therefore we billed him directly for the services he received. This is the standard protocol in all medical practices when dealing with out of network PPOs. This gentleman was fully aware that he would be responsible for the uncovered charges when he made the appointment.

I am rejecting this response because:
I was not told that they do not accept my insurance. If I had been told I would have went to a different doctor which is exactly what I did anyway after my interaction with his staff.. To think anyone would pay $600 for 3 minutes of someone’s time is crazy. I offered to pay the PPO rate and if the doctor chooses to accept that he can send me an adjusted bill. Otherwise I will not be paying.