Thomas R. Patacca, D.D.S., Inc.

I am rejecting this response because: While it is a "he said/she said" situation regarding what was communicated with the estimation clerk at the time of signing the estimate, I find it unfortunate that the doctor will not consider that his staff made mistakes during this processRegardless of what was signed, I know what was verbally communicated, and I find it sad that Dr*** staff will not take responsibility for this errorAt this point, it seems we are up against a brick wall because Dr*** is not willing to consider anything other than a signed documentRegardless, what is not addressed by Dr*** response is the fact that I am being asked to pay for a device that was never deliveredI have contacted the *** and Chico offices several times regarding my concerns regarding the delivery of this appliance and never received calls backThe individuals I have spoken to after it went to collections simply told me to contact the collection agencyWhen I asked that my concern be escalated to the doctor or other administrator, of the practice, my calls were never returnedMy concerns are validThe appliance was never delivered and now I am being asked to pay a collection agency for an appliance that I do not haveThe collection agency states that they cannot assist with ensuring the property delivery of the appliance, so again a call was placed to Dr*** officeDuring the last call a representative told me to pay the collection agency and then contact them for an appointmentThis raises another level of concernIf I have not been able to get a returned call regarding my issue with billing, then how can I trust that I will get an appointment for the delivery of the appliance once paid? Also, what if the appliance does not fit after such length of time? These are valid concernsAnd, frankly these would not have been concerns had the office simply escalated my issues to someone with authority to work with me from the beginningThe handling of this situation, by Dr*** office has been unprofessional to say the leastI have *** credit and am not someone who does not pay his or her billsThis is a situation that has resulted from a lack of professional communication, and is something that Dr*** should be concerned about

Thank you for your inquiry of May 18, 2016,After thorough review of this patient's dental records, it is determined that he was given an estimate for his orthodontic retainer (copy enclosed) and it was explained to him that the estimate was just that; an estimateHe was aware that if his insurance
declined payment, he would be responsible for the full amount or any portion that they did not payHe signed our declaration that he acknowledged the above explanation.It is therefore determined that he owes the amount of $and will be held responsible for it.Should you have any further questions, please contact me at your earliest convenience.Very truly yours,*** ** ***, DDS

Thank you for your inquiry of May 18, 2016,After thorough review of this patient's dental records, it is determined that he was given an estimate for his orthodontic retainer (copy enclosed) and it was explained to him that the estimate was just that; an estimateHe was aware that if his insurance
declined payment, he would be responsible for the full amount or any portion that they did not payHe signed our declaration that he acknowledged the above explanation.It is therefore determined that he owes the amount of $and will be held responsible for it.Should you have any further questions, please contact me at your earliest convenience.Very truly yours,[redacted], DDS

I am rejecting this response because: While it is a "he said/she said" situation regarding what was communicated with the estimation clerk at the time of signing the estimate, I find it unfortunate that the doctor will not consider that his staff made mistakes during this processRegardless of what was signed, I know what was verbally communicated, and I find it sad that Dr*** staff will not take responsibility for this errorAt this point, it seems we are up against a brick wall because Dr*** is not willing to consider anything other than a signed documentRegardless, what is not addressed by Dr*** response is the fact that I am being asked to pay for a device that was never deliveredI have contacted the *** and Chico offices several times regarding my concerns regarding the delivery of this appliance and never received calls backThe individuals I have spoken to after it went to collections simply told me to contact the collection agencyWhen I asked that my concern be escalated to the doctor or other administrator, of the practice, my calls were never returnedMy concerns are validThe appliance was never delivered and now I am being asked to pay a collection agency for an appliance that I do not haveThe collection agency states that they cannot assist with ensuring the property delivery of the appliance, so again a call was placed to Dr*** officeDuring the last call a representative told me to pay the collection agency and then contact them for an appointmentThis raises another level of concernIf I have not been able to get a returned call regarding my issue with billing, then how can I trust that I will get an appointment for the delivery of the appliance once paid? Also, what if the appliance does not fit after such length of time? These are valid concernsAnd, frankly these would not have been concerns had the office simply escalated my issues to someone with authority to work with me from the beginningThe handling of this situation, by Dr*** office has been unprofessional to say the leastI have *** credit and am not someone who does not pay his or her billsThis is a situation that has resulted from a lack of professional communication, and is something that Dr*** should be concerned about