Curtis Ambulance

On 03-14-2016 at approx 4:00 pm called Curtis Ambulance billing dept. to get a list of prevailing charges for their services based on HCPC's, so as to appeal the prevailing charges with an insurance company for services in the Milwaukee County area. They flat out refused to provide what they charge for their services. In essence you have no idea what Curtis Ambulance will charge for their services, until you get their bill.

On 07/14 2014 @ 1340 CDT Curtis Ambulance Service - Ambulance # 347 NB Us 43 one mile prior to Exit # 93 almost rode me off the road with eratic reckless driving and speeding. At this time, there appeared to be NO emergency as there were NO emergncy light on nor any siren. The way this maniac was driving made it very possible that he was under the influence of something. I tried catching up with this fool, but stopped trying at 85 mph, so whoever was behind the wheel of that ambulance was goin at least 90 mph and cutting from lane to lane with no directional signal indicating the sudden moves. Accident waiting to happen! I was trying to get description of the driver, but was unable to catch up to the ambulance due to excessive speed on their part plus erratic driving. This is NO exageration, and it takes a lot for me to sit down and be bothered to do this. I intend to contact the company, The Wisconsin State Police, and The Wis. Dept. of Motor Vehickles.[redacted]

Review: The business has a responsibility to inform someone that there is a charge for the service. I was NEVER notified and I would NOT have accepted their service as I ended up going to the hospital on my own since they could not help me. Besides that, I have full coverage health insurance that I would have provided for payment had I been informed. Also, besides informing the customer there will be a charge, mail them a bill to the CORRECT ADDRESS before turning it over to collections. I have contacted both the business and the collections agency informing them that I was never notified there would be a fee and I was also never sent any type of notice. I verified my address with them and they BOTH had the incorrect zip code in which all of the notices were returned. I should not be charged for a service that I did not agree to.Desired Settlement: The business has a responsibility to cover the bill.

Business

Response:

Curtis Ambulance (dba Medix Ambulance) provides the Wisconsin Country Thunder event with paramedic level service, as well as having an ER doctor on site to provide a higher level of care, as needed. Without providing specific information on the care provided to Ms. [redacted] (specifics can be given if the Ms. [redacted] authorizes us to), Ms. [redacted] received paramedic level care on 7/25/15. After receiving care from our staff, Ms. [redacted] did sign a “Transport and General Signature Form”, stating that she understands she is financially responsible (see attached). The bill for treatment was sent to the address that Ms. [redacted] provided at time of service.Please let me know if you need any additional information.Thank you,[redacted], CCEMT-PVP of AdministrationCurtis-Universal Ambulance, Inc.Office: (414) 276-9890HR Fax: (414) 433-1850Billing Fax: (414) 433-1839Lync/Skype Contact: [email protected]

Consumer

Response:

I had an amazingly positive experience with the Curtis team that responded to a call at 36th & North Friday 4/22/16. They were extremely patient and understanding and demonstrated true compassion. I could tell that they were truly good people who REALLY cared and were extremely effective in their roles:)

I was at country thunder and I cut my hand I went into the hospital tent Curtis Universal Ambulance had there. During this time the wait was long while waiting for the doctor a nurse took my vitals. When the doctor finally arrived I told him what happened and he told me he couldn't give me any stitches since I cut my hand on a glass bottle I would need it X-rayed. So they bandaged me up gave me a sheet of paper of the nearest hospital and sent me on my way. Later I received a bill in the mail for $133 for vitals and Ibuprofen. When I happened to call about this Inquiry I spoke to the manager and all she had to say was sorry I can offer you a discount to this bill. And while I was pushing the subject of why I was getting billed she replied to sir you have 10 days to pay or you will be charged the whole price. Poor customer service.

On January 1, 2016 I called 911 for assistance. After the firefighters did their assessment, they called Curtis Universal Ambulance for transport to hospital.
The female (from Curtis) told me if I could hold off for a few hours (as the ER was a ‘drunk tank’ now) then that’s what she advised. They never even took my blood pressure. I had to 'ask' them to take it!! She told me to eat something, drink some water and call back in a few hours if I still needed to go to the hospital. Based on their advice, I didn’t go. (They’re the experts. I’m in what I think is a life threatening situation so I listened to them.)
I could NOT believe a few days later I received an invoice in the amount of $151.38 which they expect me to pay because they dispatched an ambulance to my residence. Plus I could NOT believe the poor inexperienced care I received in an emergency situation!! My insurance has denied payment of the invoice due to 'non transport'!