There was a thread on ENT's on here a while back, but I can't find it now. Just wanted to let you all know to steer clear of Garner ENT. They try to squeeze you for money even if you have good insurance and make you sign waivers to pay in addition to what your insurance pays. Save yourself a headache (wallet-ache??) and go elsewhere.
One good way to handle this situation. Always stay within your insurance provider system. Stay with the PCP that your insurance company has a contracted set price for services rendered anything over that can be disputed. Always call your insurance company for any questionable service.
Don't sign waivers... They are in-network for me. Like you I thought that this was illegal and they had to stay within what was negotiated, but if you sign a "waiver", which they make you sign before they will treat you, then you are responsible. What is really bad is that they bring this waiver to you after you have the appointment - gotten a babysitter - have off work. They know you aren't going to walk out at that point so they have you. I am so tempted to get an attorney just for the principle - this seems deceptive, but just don't have the energy for that right now.
Can you be more specific as to what you were charged for? I go to Garner ENT and I know they have signs in each of their exam rooms that state that certain office procedures may not be covered by the office visit copay. That the insurance company defines those as procedures that would be subject to your deductible. If you have not met your deductible, then yes, you would be responsible for that portion. It depends on your insurance and what they cover. I would call the insurance company and tell them what you were charged for and ask if that should have been covered in the office visit copay. I personally have never been charged for anything other than the office copay, but I have never had any procedures preformed either. Edited to add: When I say more specific, I don't mean exactly what was done. I'm not that nosy! LOL. I just meant in general was it for some kind of procedure out of the normal scope of an office exam.
We have used them for the last 7 years and have used them for surgeries, etc. and the service was outstanding. We never paid anything above our $15 co pay for office visits and no additional costs at all for surgeries.
Yes, it was a minor procedure, but I have a PPO with no deductible. It is very good insurance and I have never had a problem anywhere but this place. I am really glad that others have not had the same problem. I just know that I will never go there again and thought maybe I could save someone some hassle. The things that they are charging me for are considered 'incidentals' by my insurance agency - they consider it covered under the cost of what they reimburse for the procedure. The doctor's office however, says that they "can not afford" to do the procedure for what the insurance pays them so I have to cover the rest. In my mind then they need to not say that they accept this insurance because they clearly are not playing by the rules in my mind. Maybe it is just when you have a minor surgery that all of the waivers and miscelaneous fees kick in??? I don't know. Just one persons experience that I thought I would pass along.... Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!
Took my daughter there a few years ago for a hearing test. The audiologist and Dr. reported she had a profound hearing loss in one ear. They said there were no hearing aids, etc... that could be prescribed to help her. I took her to another dr. for a 2nd opinion on a hearing aid or device. Turns out she does not have any hearing loss in that ear. The dr. nor the audiologist at Garner ENT could not give any explanation for their test results. That was our first and last visit there.
I have been in the medical field for a long time and things like this are very common. The office has contracted rates and you are responsible for a percentage of that amt for "procedures" outside of the norm. I am a huge fan of Raleigh ENT (totally differnt group/practice) and have not been to Garner ENT, but must say with my years of insurance experince this is very common. Sorry about your situation though! Also I have never been to a place that does not require you to sign a waiver before..... Just me - not knocking what you said though.
Same here, never had a problem and I have used both offices. I like the girls in the Raleigh office more at the desk, but other then that not a problem at all. sheri
