Just plain mad !!
I received a bill from Duke for my office visit and noticed that my insurance didn't pay anything. So, I called BCBS and they said that they don't pay because Duke is billing as an "Out patient hospital". I explained that it was for a doctor visit and he said there was nothing BCBS could do if that is how Duke submits the bill.
I then called Duke and I explained why BCBS wouldn't pay (because they are billing as an out patient hospital). The gentleman I spoke to said, that's correct because they are part of Duke hospital. I explained that I was not at the hospital but at the doctors office for a visit. He again said they are part of the hospital and that's how the claims are submitted. I told him that Duke should consider billing in another manner so our insurance companies could pay. That's why I have insurance. So bottom line, I have to pay $600.00 for something that the insurance company could have covered if Duke submitted claims like a doctor office and not an out patient clinic.
Sorry, I had to get that off my chest.
I then called Duke and I explained why BCBS wouldn't pay (because they are billing as an out patient hospital). The gentleman I spoke to said, that's correct because they are part of Duke hospital. I explained that I was not at the hospital but at the doctors office for a visit. He again said they are part of the hospital and that's how the claims are submitted. I told him that Duke should consider billing in another manner so our insurance companies could pay. That's why I have insurance. So bottom line, I have to pay $600.00 for something that the insurance company could have covered if Duke submitted claims like a doctor office and not an out patient clinic.
Sorry, I had to get that off my chest.
If it were me, I'd contact the patient assistance office and request their support in resolving this matter to your satisfaction. I have found them to be receptive and responsive to other issues I have had with Duke in the past.
Wishing you all the best,
Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145
Hi, Just wanted to let you know that you can also call the main number and speak to the office manager. I had many problems with the office and she was extremely helpful. I also have BCBS and they must have sent in the bill incorrectly because I always paid my $50 copay with no problem. The only exception was the group classes which were not covered, but they are working on that. the main number is 919-470-7000
Good luck
Audra
Good luck
Audra
When I went they were $130 and a waste of my time. Once I found out that I had to pay this out of pocket (and that they were a waste of my time as a DSer) I stopped going. I went to 2 of them.
Now I will say that I was Duke's first DS, so no one really knew anything about it and perhaps they've improved some and they may not be a total waste of your time, BUT you will get better info from the vets on the DS board........
Now I will say that I was Duke's first DS, so no one really knew anything about it and perhaps they've improved some and they may not be a total waste of your time, BUT you will get better info from the vets on the DS board........
Sherry,
Here is the URL for the contact information for patient assistance: http://www.dukehealth.org/about_duke/quality/contact_us_with _concerns
I hope that this helps.
Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145
I recently got two checks totaling $210 for overpayments. On 9/1, I got a bill dated 8/29 for $80.76 listed as outpatient/clinic on 7/22. I called and spoke to a gentleman who looked up my account and said that I owe nothing. He said that the account had a credit dated 8/30. He told me I could go on HealthView.com and see all my statements. So I created the account and went online. There were 5 additional statements there that all showed I owed money, but until 9/1, I had never received a bill from them. Are you kidding me??? What a way to run a business.
If they say I do not owe them, I guess I do not owe them. But if a bill suddenly appears for some huge sum of money, I will be having an ever-loving hissy fit in their office.
As for the office manager, you must be very lucky. I've tried to call her on numerous occasions and she does not return my calls. As far as I am concerned, she is about as effective as a fart in a whirlwind. I won't bother with her ever again.
Though I think that Dr Torquati is a skilled surgeon, I have yet to see him after the surgery date. I get shoved off onto a resident because he is "busy" or " on a phone conference" or whatever. At my 3 month visit, Duke cancelled my appt 3 days after I made it and neglected to contact me to reschedule. I found out one week before the appt only because I called to verify the time. Then they wanted to move it to August 24 from July 15. That soft food diet for 4 more weeks [and whlie I was on an out-of-state vacation] was not going to fly. Everytime I go to the clinic I have to take a sickday so I make both appts on the same day. They wanted me to come on two different days - thus two sickdays. Not happening, either. I saw Hillary Blackwell, the np, for that appt. She actually went over all the labs with me and gave me copies. Something the resident at the 3 week visit would not do - I have never been rushed out of an appt like at the 3 week one. That dr must have had lunch plans.
I only went to Duke because my PCP felt with my multiple comorbities, Duke was the better hospital. I wish i had gone to Paul Enochs' practice in Cary. At least they get to see their surgeon on their followups. I would not recommend Duke to anyone looking for this surgury due to the way the clinic operates - don't need that stress - I teach middle school and get more than my fair share of stress there .
If they say I do not owe them, I guess I do not owe them. But if a bill suddenly appears for some huge sum of money, I will be having an ever-loving hissy fit in their office.
As for the office manager, you must be very lucky. I've tried to call her on numerous occasions and she does not return my calls. As far as I am concerned, she is about as effective as a fart in a whirlwind. I won't bother with her ever again.
Though I think that Dr Torquati is a skilled surgeon, I have yet to see him after the surgery date. I get shoved off onto a resident because he is "busy" or " on a phone conference" or whatever. At my 3 month visit, Duke cancelled my appt 3 days after I made it and neglected to contact me to reschedule. I found out one week before the appt only because I called to verify the time. Then they wanted to move it to August 24 from July 15. That soft food diet for 4 more weeks [and whlie I was on an out-of-state vacation] was not going to fly. Everytime I go to the clinic I have to take a sickday so I make both appts on the same day. They wanted me to come on two different days - thus two sickdays. Not happening, either. I saw Hillary Blackwell, the np, for that appt. She actually went over all the labs with me and gave me copies. Something the resident at the 3 week visit would not do - I have never been rushed out of an appt like at the 3 week one. That dr must have had lunch plans.
I only went to Duke because my PCP felt with my multiple comorbities, Duke was the better hospital. I wish i had gone to Paul Enochs' practice in Cary. At least they get to see their surgeon on their followups. I would not recommend Duke to anyone looking for this surgury due to the way the clinic operates - don't need that stress - I teach middle school and get more than my fair share of stress there .
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