Medical Transport Service

Dear [redacted],I am writing in response to your letter dated December 7, 2015 (ID [redacted]).A payment in full was mailed by check number [redacted] to the customer on December 3, 2015 in the amount of $136.96. We believe that this satisfactorily resolves the matter described in your...

letter.Regards,Andrea B[redacted] Chief Financial Officer

Review: Physician's Medical Transport Services did not provide an estimate of costs associated with transportation from [redacted] Hospital in [redacted], Virginia to [redacted] in Washington DC. I requested to know how much the services would cost but was informed that the "clinical staff" do not provide that information and that it would be fine because "insurance would cover the costs."

Unfortunately, my insurance only covered 80% of the total "costs" that Physicians Transport Service billed - which exceeded $1300....due to contracts with [redacted] this amount still came to $142 out of my pocket and I believe this practice is PURPOSELY meant to obscure the ridiculous medical costs associated with moving patients from one medical facility to another.

Physician's Medical Transport Services also specifically dispatched an "Advanced Life Support" team when it was unnecessary. I would have driven myself or had a family member take me from [redacted] Hospital to [redacted] had I known in advance that Physician's Medical Transport Services would charge such an unbelievably high amount. Even upon request of the information, I was denied the ability to make a decision on costs. This practice is deceptive and should not go on unchecked.Desired Settlement: Since I am out of pocket $142 - this is the maximum amount I could expect back. I contacted Physician's Medical Transport Services to see if we could reduce this $142 even just by half because I did ask and was denied the information prior to the billing. They were unwilling to reduce this amount at all saying it was against their policy. They also admitted that the people dispatched DO NOT discuss costs with patients because it is against their protocols. This is unacceptable.

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: This response DOES NOT address the nature of informing a patient what this company INTENDS TO BILL (true costs) for the transport service regardless of insurance. Are they claiming that they "ONLY" transport patients that have insurance?