WWYD? Snotty girl in Medical Office

I had an appointment with a surgeon who was referred to me by my endocrinologist.

Before going, I called to make sure they accepted my insurance. They said they did.

I go, fill out all my paper work, and the girl goes, "Oh, we don't take that insurance." I can tell right away she has little patience.

I say I was told on the phone by her office that they did. She says no.

(my insurance is Empire Plan NYSHIP, which is under United Healthcare)

She says they take United Health Care.

I say, "But my card says on the back it is United Health Care or is at least a divison under it."

She said they don't take NYSHIP and doesn't understand why my card says that.

Anyway, she was just such a snot about it.

I know working in a medical office is frustrating, I have done it before myself, but look, if I'm here for a surgical consult, I obviously have stuff on my mind, and being nice and understanding would have made a difference. It's not like I wasted her time on purpose!

I went outside to call my insurance company up to see about deductibles and going out of network, and realized if I have to have this surgery, it's costly to pay , etc etc.

So i left. I was so mad and frustrated and in tears pratically. AND I didn't go back in to tell her I was leaving.

Later on, I realized.....I now fear I will get hit with a 35 dollar bill of not cancelling 24 hours in advance.

if i DO get a bill, I don't want to have to pay.
WWYD?

Message edited 1/26/2010 6:37:32 PM.

Re: WWYD? Snotty girl in Medical Office

Message edited 11/28/2011 10:08:19 PM.

Re: WWYD? Snotty girl in Medical Office

Call the insurance company and learn from them if the doctor is in your network.

Don't worry about a no-show bill until you actually get one.

good luck!

Re: WWYD? Snotty girl in Medical Office

Just follow up with the insurance company.

Let it go with the snotty chic.

Life's too short.

Re: WWYD? Snotty girl in Medical Office

Re: WWYD? Snotty girl in Medical Office

First of all, I have that same insurance and it IS United Health Care. That is who gets billed for services.

Second of all, I had a similar unpleasant situation happen to me last week. I called the office manager and complained. I don't know if she was appeasing me but I got the feeling the manager was well aware of the girl's attitude problem.

I work in the medical field...I used to be a health care provider and now I'm a medical malpractice attorney. One of the biggest complaints I hear from plaintiffs is that the office staff was nasty to them which I think serves as the catalyst for a lot of these suits. I think doctors absolutely need to know when they have an employee that is rude to their patients. That person is the face for the practice. I always tell my physician-clients when a plaintiff complains at a deposition about a specific employee. They need to know.

Re: WWYD? Snotty girl in Medical Office

I'm sorry but I am sick to death of dealing with nasty medical personnel in offices- I swear it happens in every office that I go to... I am very easy going usually and interact with people all the time

I think you should definately advise the Office Manager & Doctor and tell them that based on that girl, you decided to find a different doctor