Asiel and Company

Review: In August 2011, I needed an ultrasound and a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast. My physician, [redacted], had his office call my insurer, 1199 National Benefit Fund, to get approval. This request was referred to a radiology benefits management company, called Care to Care, which reviews all radiology procedure requested from 1199 NBF. This company approved 401 Medical Imaging in Englewood, NJ (doing business as East Bergen Imaging, LLC) as an official provider for 1199 NBF. Care to Care allotted a time span of Sept **, 2011 through October **, 2011 to complete the procedure. When I called to make an appointment at "401", I asked to double-check if they were indeed providers for 1199 NBF; they assured me they were. On the day of the visit (9/**/11) I asked yet again if they were providers, as I did not want to incur out of pocket expenses, and they reassured me again that they were. I then followed through with my procedure. On November **, 2011, I received two bills from "East Bergen"; they had been partially paid by 1199 NBF. 1199 NBF state "East Bergen" is not an approved provider, however "East Bergen Imaging" conducts business as "401 Medical Imaging", the exact facility where I had my procedure. I called the number listed on the bill from "East Bergen" and explained to them I should not have any out-of-pocket expenses for this procedure, as I was reassured by both Care to Care and "401" when I made the appointment that this provider was approved by 1199 NBF. The individual on the line stated I had contacted the billing department and that they have not participated in 1199 NBF since 2009. I was misinformed and mislead, not only by "401" (aka "East Bergen"), but also by Care to Care -- as both stated I could proceed with my procedure without qualms or out-of-pocket expenses. It is clear that Care to Care reported incorrectly and "401" ill-advised. I should not have to pay for these organization's inaccuracies and oversights. Unfortunately, this bill has been forwarded to a collection agency and now I am suffering the consequences of their mistakes. The unprofessionalism in this situation is staggering.Desired Settlement: Given the information provided by "Care to Care" and "401 Medical Imaging" -- that "Care to Care" approved "401" AND that "401" confirmed they were a bonafide provider for 1199 National Benefit Fund -- these businesses should assume responsibility for this bill. I am not responsible for the validity of the information given to me by the receptionist when I made an appointment at "401" NOR am I responsible for "Care to Care's" inaccuracy. If need be, I am able to provide evidence illustrating "Care to Care" recommended "401" (functioning as "East Bergen") as the rendering facility.