American Anesthesiology, Inc.

This medical service provider is operating in a hospital that is considered "In Network" by my insurance provider, [redacted].Prior to my wifes surgery they failed to disclose that they were not in the [redacted] Network and refuse to bill their services as In-Network where the residual cost for us would be $157, the are instead billing us for $581.I fully explained the situation, was more than willing to perhaps split the difference, they refuse. I have since paid them the $157.[redacted]Product_Or_Service: Anesthesiology ServicesAccount_Number: [redacted]Desired Settlement(1) They should settle the bill for $157.(2) They should agree to provide notice to people well in advance of scheduled surgery that they are not in a patients given network.*-Business Response American Anesthesiology provided anesthesia services for Ms. [redacted] on 2/12/14. At that time and presently, American Anesthesiology is not contracted with, and accordingly is not in network with [redacted]. American Anesthesiology continues its discussions with [redacted] and we hope to be in network in the future.As anesthesiology providers, we rely on surgeons' offices and facility staff to make clear to patients that other providers, including anesthesia providers, bill separately and have different network affiliations. Unfortunately, any balance that goes unpaid by [redacted], or any other non-network insurance, becomes the responsibility of the patient. However, American Anesthesiology is happy to work with these patients to set up payment arrangements. American Anesthesiology representatives have spoken with Mr. [redacted], and understood him to decline to arrange a payment plan. Consumer Response Final Business Response As anesthesiology providers, we rely on surgeons' offices and facility staff to make clear to patients that other providers, including anesthesia providers, bill separately and have different network affiliations. We will continue our efforts to make sure patients have all needed information in a timely fashion. In light of the ongoing frustration in this case, American Anesthesiology is willing to accept the payment of $157.50 as the final payment for these charges, bringing the balance to zero. This adjustment will be complete shortly, and a statement reflecting a zero balance will be mailed for the patient's records.

I spoke recently with a customer service representative, [redacted]. She has reported that my account shows no payments, but I have made all. This is what I show in my bill payment through my own bank:06/24/14 $100.0005/09/14 $100.0004/04/14 $50.00Here is more information on the last payment, sent in order to be received by the company on 6/24: American Anesthesiology[redacted] - [redacted] $100.0006/24/2014 [redacted] PaidCheck #[redacted] from your [redacted] - [redacted] account was mailed to American Anesthesiology for receipt by 06/24/2014. Funds for the payment will be withdrawn from your account when American Anesthesiology cashes the check.I showed the company this same evidence, and they promised to investigate. I received no return calls, but my information was forwarded to collections. I have submitted this same information to the collections agency, who told me they would investigate. It has been several weeks and still, I have heard nothing. Desired SettlementAlthough I paid out $250.00, I only owed [redacted]. $168.00. I would love to receive my overpayment, along with any applicable late fees! Business Response American Anesthesiology has reviewed the patient's account. This has been resolved. The checks that were to be issued to our office, after patient checked with the bank, have never been cashed. Patient is going to stop payment on those 3 checks, and will reissue to American Anesthesiology of NC [redacted]. Our office has also removed account and any negative reporting on patient's credit history.

I noticed that there was a claim for this company on my insurance from when my son had surgery. I blindly called the company, having never received a bill, to find out if he had a balance because I would like to pay it. The representative on the phone, [redacted], asked me to provide my son's address. Having just moved I explained to her that it could be one of 3 addresses (the two I have recently resided in, as well as his father's.) None of these match the address listed on my son's account. I have never in my life dealt with such a ride individual. She refused to give me any information on the account because of the address being different. I said it obviously has to be a WRONG address. She told me to contact the facility where my son had the procedure, and I told her that I WORK for the facility and everything is correct in his file. She THEN suggested that I call MY CHILD'S FATHER, because he might know MY CHILD'S ADDRESS. I am absolutely FLABERGASTED at how rudely I was treated. I asked to speak with a supervisor and she assured me there was nothing a supervisor could do for me. I said, I need to speak with her anyway. So after several times being put on hold she told me she needed to END THE CALL. So I can't pay the bill, they are sending them to an imaginary address.","neg-1

After over 14 months of dealing with this company, they continue to be rude, argumentative, and have no intention of resolving the situation.Dates of service 10/11/14 AND 10/22/14. I had a baby on 10/11/14, and a reparation on 10/22/14. I had an epidural on 10/11/14 and went under for surgery on 10/22/14. My insurance changed from [redacted] to [redacted] on 10/1/14. The company my husband worked for didn't send me a new insurance card until the beginning of 2015. Immediately upon opening the new insurance information in the mail, I called American Anesthesiology to tell them the new information. Several months later, after I thought everything was taken care of, I get a bill for the total amount with a statement that the claim had been denied due to untimely filing. I had documentation of submitting new insurance information 4 months after the date of service (literally as soon as I received it in the mail). After months of dispute over whether or not the claim was submitted after I called with new insurance information, all of the sudden the denial is for a different reason. Now, they apparently are out of network. Nothing was ever mentioned of the "untimely filing" claim and I received attitude from EVERY SINGLE PERSON I spoke with regarding what happened with that denial. Sometimes, the representative told me the claim was denied because the specific physician who administered the anesthetic was out of network, but most recently (12/18/15) I was told the whole company was out of network. Every single time I have called this company, I have been spoken to with such disrespect and not a single representative has been willing to help me. I have spoken with supervisors who consistently "promise to call me back" who never do. Then, when I call back to speak with that specific supervisor, they are "unable to transfer the call to a specific person". Also, they will not make outgoing calls due to "high incoming phone call volume". I was trying to get this company directly in contact, even for a conference call, to see where the disconnect is, and they wouldn't cooperate. Therefore, I have to go through the ENTIRE history again, receive attitude and speaking over me from EVERY SINGLE EMPLOYEE, and ultimately I get nowhere every time I call. Even after speaking with at least 6 supervisors, nothing has been resolved. Their phone calls are recorded, seriously - I beg you to go back and listen to these phone calls. The phone calls are from (919) [redacted]. I have even gone over on minutes with my cell provider from waiting on hold and talking to them for HOURS, to no avail.Most recently, I have left a message with Mr. [redacted], a customer service manager? We will see if he will call me back... I'm not holding my breath.Ultimately, at the end of 14 months of dealing with this company, I still do not understand what they are trying to pull. I have reached my total out of pocket, they aren't willing to help me with regard to insurance, and they change their story every time I speak with them. At the end of the day, I have reached my total out of pocket and do not owe anyone anything for the year of 2014. I very much look forward to hearing from you. Maybe this will help you make an outgoing call.Desired SettlementPlease actually do something to understand my side of the conversation. You say you cannot make outgoing calls "due to high incoming call volume". Unfortunately, I do not believe that is not possible for your company to make an outgoing call. I have met my total out of pocket with my insurance, and you have made it abundantly clear that this is my problem and you will do nothing to help me resolve the issue. I am doing my part to make sure my account does not go past due, go to collections, or in any other way go into delinquency. It took me several phone calls and several hours on hold to find out what your policy is regarding past due accounts. I have sincerely done everything I can in order to resolve this issue on my own, and unfortunately I am witnessing no assistance from representatives of American Anesthesiology. I want my balance to be dealt with appropriately with the, now patient advocacy department, with my (now previous) insurance company. Please stop calling me and letting me know my account has become active again. Please stop sending me bills for $2200 for a balance that is wrongfully being billed. I have unfortunately had to speak with a representative with this company at least once a month (usually 4-5 times a month) for the past 14 months. Please, it is time to be helpful in resolving this issue. Make an outgoing call. Be on the patient's side. I will never ever use this company again, and will warn everyone I know against using this company in the future. In the future, I would rather experience labor without an epidural than have to deal with this company again for 14 months and counting.Business Response Contact Name and Title: [redacted], SupervisorContact Phone: [redacted]Contact Email: [redacted]American Anesthesiology strives to provide excellent service to every patient. We are very sorry that this patient has had difficulty with the balances. We have had a supervisor call the patient to address her concerns, and will continue to work directly with the patient.

My procedure took about 1 hour. After my insurance paid I was still left with a bill of $272.00 I sent in $50. I just received a phone call to set up payments which would result in an extra $3.00 set up fee and an extra $5.00 a month added to my account. The women on the phone was rude. I will never use this practice again. Seriously they charge enough and then want to add on more fees. Never experienced this before.","neg-2

On 10/11/13 I had surgery on my wrist. On that day an anesthesiologist can in and recommended that I have a nerve block which I allowed. After surgery I got a bill for $828.43 after my health insurance had payed their part and I payed my copay. When I investigated I was told that 2 anesthesiologists handled my case, resulting in 2 charges; my health insurance would only pay for one. Never was I told that I needed a second anesthesiologist.
On 4/29/15 I had a colonoscopy: just a routine procedure, I thought. Again, I got a bill for $630.00 because 2 anesthesiologists were involved in the procedure. TWO!! REALLY!! Again, I was not told this.
Folks, American Anesthesiology is everywhere in this area and I know for me they are out of network with my insurance company. The next time I need surgery I intend to get a estimate of charges prior to the surgery. I'm going to drill the anesthesiologist that comes to my bedside and I intend to let my surgeon know of the problems that I am having so that they can act like my advocate.
This is a ridiculous practice that they are using and I would be curious how they rate to other anesthesiologist groups. I feel trapped with this group so I wanted everyone to be aware that they need to be aware of these fraudulent practices.","neg-3

I found out, after the surgery, that American Anesthesiology of North Carolina is considered out of Network by [redacted] so I ended up paying 75% of bill.
Advise you check before hand.
Also, on day of surgery the Anesthesiologist did not meet with me before surgery so I never even met him/her.","neg-4

I have paid bill in full. They continue to tell me they haven't received all payments even though I have submitted proof from my bank. I have made numerous phone calls to American Anesthesiology Patient Financial Services ([redacted])and left messages for [redacted]. I have been told I have a balance of $25 as my January payment was not received. I submitted proof of the Jan payment on 05/26/2015. 45 days later after 3 phone calls checking the status I was told I after review I still owed the $25. When I contacted AA office at ([redacted]) I was told that in fact there is a payment showing for $25 in January, but not my May payment. I was told by them my balance is $66.38. Was told [redacted] would call me back. Have left one voicemail since then with no return call. Was even told [redacted] would call [redacted] and someone would call me back. Every time I call either place I am not allowed to speak with a supervisor. I have bank statements with all of my payments documented. Whether the payment vendor has screwed something up is not my concern. I have paid my obligation in full and have a $0 balance. I am thoroughly disappointed in how I have been treated. There are so many people who never accept responsibility for their medical bills and don't care if they ever pay them. I have paid mine, but continue to get the run around. Not only that, from 2 places who tell me something different every time I call. I hope this email will provoke someone to call me to get this straightened out.Desired SettlementI want a supervisor to actually call me back. I want a final bill showing I have paid in full.Business Response Contact Name and Title: [redacted], SupervisorContact Phone:[redacted]Contact Email:[redacted]American Anesthesiology strives to take great care of every patient. The payment history of this account has been reviewed carefully, and the systems involved updated to reflect all payments made. This brings the account to a zero balance. Written notice of this zero balance will be mailed to the patient. An American Anesthesiology supervisor has spoken to this patient to explain the review and this resolution.

March 23, 2014Reference # XXXXXXXXX[redacted] # XXXXXXXXDate of Service 10/15/12To whom it may concern:This would be the third time I am sending this information and now I see it was sent to collections which is unacceptable. I made the last payment on August 6, 2012 by [redacted] for $100.00 which would bring my account to zero. I have mailed and faxed it as well. I have no idea why this would be send to collections. Please see the attachments. 1.I have my last statement that shows a balance of $100.2.Copy of [redacted] statement showing the transaction on 8/6/133.Confirmation of payment from [redacted]4.My faxes sent to American Anesthesiology for above.I am not sure of what more I need to do. If you could please confirm that my account has a zero balance and remove me from collections. Also that my creditWas not affected by this.Please feel free to call and or email me if you have any questions.Thank [redacted].comXXXXX [redacted] NC XXXXXAccount_Number: XXXXXXXXXDesired SettlementTo remove me from collections because I have paid this back in August 2013.Business Response Contact Name and Title: [redacted] SupervisorContact Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXXContact Email: [redacted]@americananesthesiology.comAmerican Anesthesiology has carefully reviewed this account. It was determined that the final payment submitted by the patient was processed but the then current balance of $0 was not updated in the patient account being managed by our external agency that works these patient accounts when a balance is outstanding. The outstanding, past due amount of this account was not reported to any credit reporting agency and will not have an adverse impact on the patient's credit report. To resolve this issue, we notified the external agency and reported the correct balance of $0 to be updated to this patient account in their system. A new patient account statement showing the $0 balance will be mailed to the patient to reflect this correction. As a result of this error being brought to American Anesthesiology's attention we are researching how this reporting error occured and we are taking steps to ensure it cannot happen again. American Anesthesiology regrets that this reporting error occured and appreciates this reporting error being brought to our attention.

This company is not only rude to the customer, but they do not work well with insurance companies. I have been in limbo with them over a bill, where they were out of network at an in network hospital, for over 9 months. They wouldn't speak to my insurance company, but ordered me to notify my insurance that they needed a letter in writing stating why their billing codes were incorrect. Then when we figured out the problem, that the in network hospital I used had used them and they were out of network, they gave me 2 weeks to pay a bill over $1800 or they were sending me to collections. This business needs to seriously work on customer service and trying to work together with insurance companies. I hope no one else gets cornered into using them and not notified prior to that they are out of network at an in network hospital. The hospital made a bad choice. ","neg-5