Seaport Orthopedics

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ***, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved
Sincerely,
*** ***

It's ashame I have to write this review, but as a consumer (more so than a patient) this organization needs to be called-out for their horrible billing practices.

Let me first say that my experience in terms of appointments, scheduling and with the doctor was A+. But I cannot recommend them simply because billing has been a nightmare. Let me summarize the events:

- I had a few appointments in early April 2014. By April [redacted], my insurance company had paid the amount due (they submitted a check). When I received a "past due" bill in August 2014, I spoke with [redacted] (at length) in their billing department to discuss the matter. I emailed her my explanation of benefits proof as well as gave her the reference number for the "cashed check". She said she'd look into it and get back to me. Crickets. Then I receive more invoices saying I am overdue. I called my health insurance company and asked them to speak directly with Seaport with ME on the phone. They did. We spoke with a [redacted] and she asked for information to be sent (which my healthcare company did) and that she would look into it. It's now January 2015, and guess what? I just received ANOTHER invoice for that amount (another small amount for another visit that I will gladly pay), and a threat it will go to collection if I don't remit?

So let me understand Seaport's thought process? Because they cannot locate their records on the check THEY cashed, let's just keep billing the patient, event though the patient (me) and the healthcare company have provided all the evidence they need to prove it was paid? Interesting business practices?

I am extremely frustrated by this whole ordeal, and simply cannot recommend this business and frankly, they should be penalized or fined for their poor practices. This is not a Revdex.com accredited business, but I thought I'd post this review in the event patients of this practice want some user experiences. Doctors, front desk - a ok! Billing - ZERO! TERRIBLE! And frankly, since healthcare comes down to money, I simply cannot have to factor in that experience into the whole package.

Review: Let me first say I've never filed a complaint before. For me to do this indicates my level of frustration. Second, let me just say that my experience in terms of appointments, scheduling and with the doctor was A+. But I feel compelled to file this complaint because their billing department simply does not feel an urgency and care to remedy this issue.

I had a few appointments in early April 2014. By April [redacted], my insurance company had paid the amount due (they submitted a check). I receive an invoice in June that still showed an amount of $121.81 due I thought it may be timing, knowing m healthcare company submitted payment. When I received another invoice in July, I called their billing office on July **, 2014 and spoke with [redacted]. After our discussion, I did as SHE requested - I emailed her copies of the Explanation of Benefits, with a note indicating that the $121.81 was paid directly to them by my insurance company on April **, 2014. She said she'd look into it and get back to me. Crickets. I emailed and called AGAIN on August **, 2014. Voicemail and no return email. I then emailed her AGAIN on August **, 2014 indicating that the healthcare company payment ref # I previously gave her was the actual check number and that according to the healthcare companyh, the check was cashed by someone on May ** 2014. I continued to get invoices and letters and finally in October, called the healthcare company and spoke with a rep who then, with me, called Seaport on or around Late October or Early November (apologies, but with all of my notes, I didn't write that date down) and spoke with [redacted] in their billing department. [redacted] was very nice and empathetic. Since she did not handle previously (as it was [redacted]) she asked the healthcare company rep to mail them all of the "proof" again. The healthcare company obliged and I later confirmed with them that they did indeed mail them. Frankly, things went silent through the holidays so I actually thought this matter was over. But then I received a late Christmas gift yesterday, January *, 2015 in the form of another bill saying I am past due >120 days in the amount of $121.81 and that they will go to collection if I don't pay.

I've had it! This has been going on for 8 months. It's been 8 months since they cashed my check. So let me understand Seaport's thought process? Because they cannot locate their records on the check THEY cashed, they think it okay to a) not call me to inform me of the status, b) just keep billing me, even though me and the healthcare company have provided all the evidence they need to prove it was paid? Interesting business practices!

I want a billing adjustment and an apology for the borderline harassment (with the continued billing and threat to go to collection). I understand that things happen. But they need to own up to THEIR errors and borderline incompetence in this matter and make things right.Desired Settlement: I want a written apology from the person in charge of the entire practice. I want a billing adjustment in the amount in question which is $121.81. Anything short of these two outcomes will not satisfy me.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,