Sacramento Spinal Specialists

Review: Sacramento Spinal Specialist billed me with finance charges. after my medical insurance covered a percentage of the bill, I did not have a contract to be financed after any balance charges. Was also charged for medical treatment that I didn't not need or received.

Attached is a copy of the bill with reasons for the charges.Desired Settlement: Adjust the bill at the proper insurance rate and delete any finance charges.

Business

Response:

I spoke with [redacted] on Thursday, December 15, 2013 at 2:05pm. I explained to him that I did an audit on his file to ensure correct billing to his insurance company and payments credited to his account. I advised him on the amount not paid and why, with definitions of terms as outlined in the letter sent to him entitled "Explanation of Benefits (EOB) Definitions". We discussed finance charges and the payment policy agreement that he signed in regard to this which I have enclosed.

When I asked about any treatment he was charged for that he felt he did not need or received, he said the auto insurance adjuster told him that the services that were billed were similar to those charged for cancel patients. I asked him if he felt his treatment was for the auto accident or some other non-related reason. He said all the treatment was provided due to the injuries sustained in his 6/25/12 auto accident and he appreciated the help.

I advised him on the total charges, amount paid by his insurance company and the balance due including finance charges. I advised him that I would remove the finance charges with payment in full at this time. I also reminded him that he agreed to pay the amount owed upon settlement with the auto insurance company. He settled his case in October 2013. His treatment was completed in our office on 2/23/13 and a bill was provided to the patient. We did not start finance charges until 5/1/13. The patient stated he was unable to pay the balance off and was unable to tell me how much he could pay at this time. His balance, in full, is due. ([redacted] - [redacted] Business Response.pdf)

Consumer

Response:

I did speak to [redacted] Dec.15th regarding the matter at hand and I've read his response, there are several false statements.

1. We never had an agreement for him to be paid in full upon a settlement.

2. The signature on his payment policy is not mines, I faxed you several copies of what my signature looks like, and I faxed you the documents he said I signed.

3. I felt like some of the things he did would help my injury but I was charged for several things he didn't do. He did the same procedure every visit but the service descriptions are inconsistent.

Thank You

Business

Response:

In response to your letter dated January 8, 2013:

1. Attached is the financial agreement that he signed with the initial set of paperwork stating that he is ultimately financially responsible for the balance of the account. I have also attached the attorney lien which states that if his case is settled he is responsible to pay the account in full.

2. Although the patient claims that the signature on the financial agreement is not his, we have enclosed all documentation, including the financial agreement in question, signed by him at the time of his initial appointment. You can see that all signatures are similar although differing somewhat. We propose that it is his signature on the financial agreement.

3. The difference that Mr. [redacted] may see in his treatment may be the substitution for myofacial release vs IT traction on several occasions which is in the doctor's purview for treatment required for the patient's recovery.

I hope that the documents enclosed and my statement resolve this issue.