ComplaintsforNational Imaging Specialists

• Initial Complaint

  10/03/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I contacted this company about scheduling an MRI wanted by my doctor. I gave them my insurance information and scheduled the appointment. I asked the receptionist on the phone if they took my insurance and if they were also a participant of Healthcare Blue book which is a program within Pinellas County Schools that lists providers that offer additional discounts on certain tests. I confirmed with Bluebook Providers the discounted "fair"price for an MRI was $50. The receptionist said she had to ask her office manager and billing as she was new. I was put on hold for about 20minutes. She then came back to say yes, the price would be $50.00 for the test and I would need to pay at the time of the appointment. I asked if I needed to provide any additional paperwork and she said no, just bring the script and payment of $50.00.. I confirmed again on the day of appointment as I was paying the $50.00 that this was all I owe as you could definitely tell she was new because she also had my appointment time wrong and ended up waiting an additional hour. Why at the time of appointment would I only pay $50 and not $250 if their policy is payment in full prior to the test? I got the bill and called as there was a mistake that I was now being billed an additional $200. The office manager apologized and said the receptionist was confused and they were taking care of it. Again the receptionist said all was approved with both the manager and billing. When I made the payment at the desk with the other receptionist he turned to her and said this is $50 and she replied yes. This has been authorized and collected by my payment on 6/9/2022. I have also reported this to Aetna and **************** office that wrote the script so they can let future patients know the fraud that is taking place. Quoting a price, collecting payment and then sending a bill collecting more money. I had several providers to choose from and would have cancelled if the price was $250. Documentation provided.

  Business response

  10/17/2022

  I spoke to the patient after she was billed the outstanding balance and she mentioned that she was only to pay a $50.00 copay due to using her Healthcare Bluebook Directory, which would give her special pricing on procedures. Her *************** did not extend the special pricing and applied a $250.00 copay to her bill. I called her insurance, and they were not familiar with this Bluebook directory and could not reprocess her bill. I advised ******************** of such and if she could give me a copy of the Blue Book or provide me with a link or some documentation of this special pricing, so I could further dispute the reimbursement with her insurance company. I have not received any information to have her bill reconsidered through the insurance company. 

  I recently contacted her insurance again and was able to provide further information to another representative that this special pricing was a benefit to the Pinellas County Schools members and this representative was able to look up the website and see the special pricing. Apparently, the Healthcare Bluebook Directory is available through the Pinellas County Schools website and not on Aetna's website, so our office did not have access to this information. As of today, this bill is being resolved through her *************** for the additional payment that is due on her account and the patient is no longer being billed for this service. 

  National Imaging Specialists apologizes for any confusion or inconvenience with this matter. 

  Sincerely,

  Billing Administrator

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