Chu, Thomas Dr.

I was referred to Mr. Chu by another dermatologist due to his equipment and work. During my consultation, I was provided a description/explanation for the issue which lead me to see a dermatologist. Once I had be briefed, I was given a detail explanation of the solution/process. The process was very simple and could be performed the same day in very little time. Before agreeing and beginning the process, I inquired about the costs involved for the services which were being provided. I was given a cost which I felt was very reasonable so I agreed to the process. Very please and satisfied with the work by Dr. [redacted]. However, two months later, I received invoices totaling $400. Over $300 in charges were never disclosed/mentioned and one of the two services performed was paid for in full at the time of visit.Desired SettlementBeing that the office failed to provide information regarding costs associated with each step of the process or mention the possibility of additional cost, they should absorb any and all cost that were not disclosed. Business Response Patient was referred to Dr. Chu for cosmetic consultation. While examining patient, doctor made recommendations to remove lesions - removal of one lesion was not medically necessary and patient was responsible for payment in full. The doctor found another suspicious lesion and recommended a biopsy to be sent to lab for diagnosis - this procedure would be filed on his insurance. Patient agreed to recommendations, read and signed consent and authorization for both procedures. He paid at checkout for cosmetic procedure and patient's insurance was filed for biopsy. Patient's insurance company applied in-network discounts to the charges, paid a small amount and the rest was patient responsibility. As per our contract with his insurance company, we are required to bill the patient for his deductible and co-insurance. These are normal office procedures at all doctors' offices.Consumer Response (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)Dr. Chu DID NOT make an recommendation to remove what is being identified as a 'lesions.' This was something that I have had for almost 20 years and because I was in to see Dr. Chu for something on my forehead, I figured I would inquire about the 'lesions' that had been on my scalp. When I inquired about costs involved with the process, I was given a cost for the removal process. Dr. Chu stated that he wanted to send a sample of what was being removed from my scalp to the lab but never advise that there would be addition costs for this. Had there been a discussion regarding cost for lab services, I would have declined being that this was something I had lived with for 20 years with no issue other than it not being appealing to the eye. When I spoke with someone at Dr. Chu's office, I was told this normal (which is also stated in the above response) and I should have know a cost was involved. As I explained to this rude person, I wasn't in the medical field; therefore, I only know what I am being told. Consumers are often left with unexpected expenses because companies are able to perform services without fully disclosing all the cost associated with processes which is what this office has done. In this instances, the office should cover the cost for any services which they did not disclose.