Saint Margarets Hospital

RE: Complaints ID *** Dear Ms***:I am writing in response to the above noted complaint filed on February 13, This complaint was referred to the UPMC Customer Service Department.The consumer originally made payments of $per monthThe consumer applied for our
financial assistance program and under their guidelines a patient cannot be on payment arrangements while in the financial assistance processThe application for assistance was received September 21, 2015, and the payment plan removedOn September 23, 2015, it was determined that the consumer did not qualify for assistanceA denial letter was mailed to the consumer, informing them that they had a limited number of days to request the payment arrangement be resumedThe consumer did not respond or make a request, and, subsequently, their account was forwarded to ***.Our Customer Service liaison has contacted the consumer directly and reviewed their billing accountThe consumer is aware and understands that they now have a payment arrangement through the agency and the minimum payment is $per month.If you have any other questions regarding this complaint, you may contact our Customer Service Department directly at ###-###-####If I may be of further assistance please feel free to call me at ###-###-####.Sincerely,
Peg F*Patient Relations Representative

Review: I had services done at the hospital that I was paying monthly and I was sent to collections. I provided proof that I never missed a payment. I've been trying to get it out of collections and under the hospital, but no one would help me. I was told that I wouldn't receive letters until it was corrected, but I just received on Friday, February 12. The service date on the bill is March 3, 2015. The unpaid balance is $457.92. St. Margaret told me that because I applied for financial aid and denied I was taken off my payment plan and therefore sent to collections even though I was still actively making payments. What concerns me is that I have several other payment plans set up through the hospital and none of those bills were sent to collections.Desired Settlement: I would like my payments to be moved back under UPMC Services and confirmation that it will not affect my credit. Also, I would like confirmation of what I currently owe the hospital and that I am not being over billed.

Business

Response:

RE: Complaints ID [redacted] Dear Ms. [redacted]:I am writing in response to the above noted complaint filed on February 13, 2016. This complaint was referred to the UPMC Customer Service Department.The consumer originally made payments of $35.00 per month. The consumer applied for our financial assistance program and under their guidelines a patient cannot be on payment arrangements while in the financial assistance process. The application for assistance was received September 21, 2015, and the payment plan removed. On September 23, 2015, it was determined that the consumer did not qualify for assistance. A denial letter was mailed to the consumer, informing them that they had a limited number of days to request the payment arrangement be resumed. The consumer did not respond or make a request, and, subsequently, their account was forwarded to [redacted].Our Customer Service liaison has contacted the consumer directly and reviewed their billing account. The consumer is aware and understands that they now have a payment arrangement through the agency and the minimum payment is $50.00 per month.If you have any other questions regarding this complaint, you may contact our Customer Service Department directly at ###-###-####. If I may be of further assistance please feel free to call me at ###-###-####.Sincerely,Peg F[redacted]Patient Relations Representative