Baltimore Washington Medical Center University of Maryland Medical System

Review: I saw a doctor at this practice one time only on 11/25/13. At the time I had [redacted] insurance. My insurance changed from [redacted] to [redacted] on 5/1/14 because that's what my job choose to do. Last week I received a bill from this medical practice dated 8/15/14 for $352 over 8 months since date of service. First I called [redacted] even though I am no longer with them. They stated it was denied but I could have appealed within a 6 month time frame if I would have gotten the bill within 6 months. Aenta says I can't appeal now because it's been more than six months. [redacted] directed me to call the practices billing dept. and speak to a manager. I did, they submitted the bill to a supervisor for review. Supervisor Juanita called me back today and admitted the bill was delayed and that was an error but I'm still responsible for it. I don't believe I should be responsible for this bill since it was delayed due to their error. [redacted] says I could have fought it within six months but I didn't get a chance because I had no idea there was a problem. This bill dated 8/15/14 is the first I'm hearing of a problem, now I'm out of an appropriate time frame. * this bill is in my maiden name [redacted] not [redacted] my current name*Desired Settlement: I would like them to drop the charges since they waited over 8 months to bill me and the insurance company won't even hear what I have to say because it"s been over 6 months.

Business

Response:

September 08, 2014Thank you for contacting [redacted] and providing our organization the opportunity to respond to the consumer’s complaint and your inquiry dated September 03, 2014.As representatives of Baltimore Washington Health Services, we received [redacted]’s account on 07/29/14 for a balance of $352.00. As [redacted] indicated in her complaint, the date of service was indeed 11/25/13. Regrettably, I cannot address [redacted]’s issue concerning her failure to receive a bill prior to her account being placed with [redacted] since we were not involved in the collection of her account at that time. Moreover, we are not empowered nor have the authority to “drop the charges” as [redacted] has requested. However, our organization is sensitive to the circumstances that prompted [redacted]’s complaint and as a result, have terminated all collection activity from [redacted] by closing and returning her account back to Baltimore Washington Health Services.[redacted] takes great strides to foster a work environment that is FDCPA and HIPAA compliant. Our staff and management team welcomes the opportunity to assist consumers with their questions and concerns.If you should have any further questions related to this complaint, please feel free to contact me.Andrew KCollection Manager

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because: I appreciate what this Pro Co agency has done by closing my account and sending it back to Baltimore Washington Medical But my concern is what's going to happen now. What is Baltimore Washington going to do? That is who I have the original problem with. They are the ones that did not bill me until it was way too late so that I could not appeal with Aetna. I don't want to have an issue with them now. It seems like Baltimore Washington is just passing the buck onto everyone and anyone else and not taking responsibility for billing patients 8 months after a doctors visit when the patients insurance has already been changed and life has moved on.

Regards,

Business

Response:

September 17, 2014We received your letter concerning [redacted]'s rebuttal to our response dated September 08, 2014. As you indicated, [redacted] had no objection to the recourse ProCo initiated and completed in closing her account and returning it to Baltimore Washington. In fact, you acknowledged that [redacted] was appreciative of ProCo's efforts in doing so. However, you pointed out that [redacted] remained concerned that ProCo's return of her account to Baltimore Washington, though spirited in its desire to promote an equitable resolution, did not bring the closure [redacted] was seeking.I am pleased to advise you that we petitioned [redacted]'s concerns to Baltimore Washington and they have agreed to write-off the balance in its entirety as a courtesy to [redacted]. Moreover, they have contacted [redacted] and informed her of their decision,If you should have any further questions related to this complaint, please feel free to contact me.Respectfully.Andrew K Collection Manager