Any legal Eagles in the house?

[Frodo]

I have a slight problem that I would like to share and get off my chest
This involves a dental office and nurse Ratchet
My insurance allows up to $3000 of dental work for the year
I had work done totaling $2500
I talked with the office staff on numerous occasions I wanted to split the work up between this year and starting 1/1/24 next year
I also told them we need to take advantage of the remaining $500 for this year and start anew next year

I received a text telling me to come to the office for some work, because I was very clear I wanted to use up the remaking $500. I saw no problem and hopped my self in the chair where Inwas numbed up and operated on

After the procedure , so walked to the desk for a pain script and to check out
I was told the procedure was $2500 and $500 would come out of my insurance
Then asked to pay $2000
Ummm No is my answer, I was clear the procedure was to be spread out as the insurance money was available
Now, right here is what is ticking me off
Nurse Ratchet said I had not said anything to anyone about the procedure being after the first of the year, She looked me straight in the eye and lied
So I said I will get back to you and walked out

So, what am Ibto do? I am leaning towards blowing them off and walking away but that is not the right thing to do
Or is it? I signed no paper work before the procedure and to be honest I simply can not afford to give them money I do not have even if I wanted to
Who is at wrong here?
I feel the person who scheduled the procedure is at fault but it looks like they are circling the wagons to protect each other

I called the nurse and said I want to speak to the dr. I will have. Face to face with him Monday am at 0800

 

[Frodo]

Kinda like Paul Harvey
And now…..the rest of the story
It was mentioned in the Dr office (by me). they simply wait and bill for the procedure on 1:1/24
That was poo pooped by nurse ratchet
So, I have been meaning to switch ins carriers to get a better deal and I did just that my talk Monday am is going to be me telling the Dr both parties are in the wrong so we should split the bill
He eats half and I eat half which I will pay out at $50 per month

 

[Patchouli]

Sorry, @Frodo If it were me I would just stand my ground on what I had said. The problem lies in the part where I might not have anything in writing, no letter of agreement. Usually medicals have a notice posted, payment due upon completion etc. I would not admit fault unless it's to admit fault I shoulda never called them in the first place. This is a friendly conversation between two strange people. I'm not giving you advice. If I were wearing those socks kind of thing. I don't have a credit card and I'm not getting one now to pay the office. Are all of the steps completed for the work I had done? If not, it is not time to pay, in my opinion. Nurse Ratchet sounds like a bully. No need for that, right?

 

[LadyLocust]

I agree with Patch @Frodo Go and speak with the dentist (who I am guessing pays nurse ratchet’s wage). Explain just what you stated above. It is in their best interest to work with you so that they get paid. It does them no good to be ornery and not get paid (they don’t need to know you are an honest fellow).
You stated your situation and payment circumstances and trusted their competence in working within those parameters.

 

[Frodo]

Thanks guys,
I will let you know what the out come is after our meeting Monday morning

This was kinda funny
Phone rang today and the ID said it was the Dentist. Hell I ain’t scared, I answered. And she acted surprised when I said. This is him, What’s up?
Then it ( conversation) went south
I said that I will discuss it with the dr and ignored her questions
She obviously wanted to take charge and leave the dr out
Then she said. “Talking to the him will not do any good, their is nothing we can do”
Wth? She is talking like I am begging for credit or payments

I am going to record this meeting

 

[Caribou]

I am not an attorney. I don't play one on TV, and I haven't stayed at a Holiday Inn for years. Recording the conversation is a good idea, I wish you had a recording of the first conversation. There is a thing called informed consent. They have to tell you about the procedure and its risks, including costs, before they start. They didn't do that. Therefore, you owe nothing. You authorized the first $500 the rest is on them. Let them take you to court. This is the way I'd play it.

No attorney is going to take your case. Not enough money, you'd pay the attorney more than the dentist. They can take you to court but all this will come out in court. Is that how the doctor wants to have his practice appear in public. You could file assault charges on the doctor for operating without consent. Don't get mad. Don't freak out. This is strictly business.

 

[Frodo]

I am not an attorney. I don't play one on TV, and I haven't stayed at a Holiday Inn for years. Recording the conversation is a good idea, I wish you had a recording of the first conversation. There is a thing called informed consent. They have to tell you about the procedure and its risks, including costs, before they start. They didn't do that. Therefore, you owe nothing. You authorized the first $500 the rest is on them. Let them take you to court. This is the way I'd play it.

No attorney is going to take your case. Not enough money, you'd pay the attorney more than the dentist. They can take you to court but all this will come out in court. Is that how the doctor wants to have his practice appear in public. You could file assault charges on the doctor for operating without consent. Don't get mad. Don't freak out. This is strictly business.

Wise advice. And are also my thoughts exactly

 

[Pearl]

I am not an attorney. I don't play one on TV, and I haven't stayed at a Holiday Inn for years. Recording the conversation is a good idea, I wish you had a recording of the first conversation. There is a thing called informed consent. They have to tell you about the procedure and its risks, including costs, before they start. They didn't do that. Therefore, you owe nothing. You authorized the first $500 the rest is on them. Let them take you to court. This is the way I'd play it.

No attorney is going to take your case. Not enough money, you'd pay the attorney more than the dentist. They can take you to court but all this will come out in court. Is that how the doctor wants to have his practice appear in public. You could file assault charges on the doctor for operating without consent. Don't get mad. Don't freak out. This is strictly business.

So that's NOT YOU I've been watching on TV???

 

[Morgan101]

“Talking to the him will not do any good, their is nothing we can do”

JMHO, but that is total BS. If I don't miss my guess dentists are small business owners just like Joe the Plumber. They aren't members of huge conglomerates that call the shots. The Dentist in your case could negotiate a reasonable settlement, and again, JMHO, Nurse Ratchett is in full CYA mode. She doesn't want the Dentist involved because she doesn't want him to find out what she did.

If they don't make this right I would find another dentist, and I would make it a point to tell the Dentist you are leaving because of Nurse Ratchett.

 

[forcast]

Had the same mess. Had emergency dental work that turned into way more emergency dental work with a referral to dental surgeon. Since it was an emergency referral i thought it was free since my dentist messed up. Ya stupid or sick not sure. Or at least be a payment plan like i use with my dentist. No one mentioned cost .The kind they put you to sleep for. Wake up check out $7000 bill. No way. Not like i could write a check. Bill gos to collect and on your credit report. Oh well. But what I learned after the fact is i should have gone to the emergency room. ER would have called in the very same surgeon i had. And it would have been cover on my Medicare/ Medicaid. Now I get prices in writing before the apointment for all my medical needs. Most dr offices have no idea what your procedure will cost ahead of time.

 

[zoomzoom]

Recording the conversation is a good idea, I wish you had a recording of the first conversation.

Not sure but I believe you need to inform the other party that the conversation is being recorded and get their consent.

 

[havasu]

My dentist (which I am having to deal with next week) will always evaluate what you need, then escorted to the front office area, where I have my own version of Nurse Ratchet, except she is Nurse Hilga.

Hilga writes down exactly what is needed, and I am required to sign every procedure (which I am sure is a "promise to pay" signature, had I read the following 4 pages of consent attached behind the procedure page.

As far as recording the conversation, some states prohibit recording without the consent of all parties. Which states...? I don't know.

I do know my dentist owns the office, and calls the shots. He offered me a night guard to prevent grinding my teeth for a reduced price of $250, but Hilga wrote up the guard for $550. I told her the doc gave me a special price and told her to talk to him, which she did. She came back with her tail between her legs and said under her breath, "You're right."

I've found in today's economy, you must be acutely aware of any and all monetary transactions. They will separate you from your money quicker than a whore sweating in church.

Keep your appointment with the dentist. Smooze him by saying you absolutely love him and his work, and would like to continue being a patient there. Say that you and Nurse Ratchet had an understanding, was not trying to flake out on any money, but both you and Nurse Ratchet had made a verbal agreement to defer most of the payment until next year, but would immediately pay $500 until you have capped out your money for this year.

Hopefully he will understand what the initial intentions were, and who knows, maybe she has been known to do this in the past, and he is aware of her billing errors?

 

[Frodo]

Not sure but I believe you need to inform the other party that the conversation is being recorded and get their consent.

Mississippi bars the recording, interception, use or disclosure of any in-person, telephonic or other communication without the consent of at least one party

One of the party would be me

 

[havasu]

Did you sign any documents before the treatment?

I know when I was at my dentist, it seems that if you are getting a numbing shot, they require a signature due to liability.

 

[INresponse]

Wait to make your payment in January. I know for tax purposes medical expenses can be deducted for the year when the payment is made, not when the procedure occurred. Hopefully this is an option.

 

[snappy1]

Most dr offices have no idea what your procedure will cost ahead of time.

And in general, it is not their concern.

I've found in today's economy, you must be acutely aware of any and all monetary transactions.

Amen to that! I am ever vigilant (and learning)!

The reason I say still learning is that until recently I didn't know the difference between a co-pay and a deductible. Learned that one the hard way, but have taken steps to lesson the blow in the future. Ignorance is not always bliss!

 

[Frodo]

Today was the day, and I took advantage of it
Met with the Doc this morning and set the record straight
After our talk, dc told the ladies to do what I ask
So. I said to them
Legally, I do not owe you anything.
Morally, I feel I owe for services rendered
You ladies made a mistake so 1/2 the billing is on you
The other half I will pay at $50.00. Per month without interest

Drop mic. And left

 

[LadyLocust]

Today was the day, and I took advantage of it
Met with the Doc this morning and set the record straight
After our talk, dc told the ladies to do what I ask
So. I said to them
Legally, I do not owe you anything.
Morally, I feel I owe for services rendered
You ladies made a mistake so 1/2 the billing is on you
The other half I will pay at $50.00. Per month without interest

Drop mic. And left

Good job Frodo!

 

[angie_nrs]

I'm glad you came to a mutual understanding Frodo. I admire the fact that you felt morally obligated to make things right with the dentist.

There are a couple of things from the other side to consider, albeit without knowing the full extent of the converstions with the staff. The insurance company may require the office to bill them when services were rendered. If they put in a different date of say 1/1......then they are commiting fraud. I don't know if dental insurance is different in that regard or not, but with health insurance, that would be a big no-no and the doctor could lose his license. It probably would have been a good idea to reiterate your insurance/financial agreement again before you got in the chair. Staff see several people walk through their doors every day and can't remember verbal conversations (without documentation) on all their patients. That's the whole reason for charting. Even the good ones will not be able to remember everything.......and I'm not saying those women were 'good ones'. These days, you should do your own charting of events just to CYA. Anytime I make a call regarding on overcharge or anything like that, I write down the time, date, and who I talked to. It has saved my bacon many times over.

Good on you for taking your issue right to the dentist and not engaging in conversation wtih the person you felt did you wrong. That was a great move!

 

[Frodo]

I'm glad you came to a mutual understanding Frodo. I admire the fact that you felt morally obligated to make things right with the dentist.

There are a couple of things from the other side to consider, albeit without knowing the full extent of the converstions with the staff. The insurance company may require the office to bill them when services were rendered. If they put in a different date of say 1/1......then they are commiting fraud. I don't know if dental insurance is different in that regard or not, but with health insurance, that would be a big no-no and the doctor could lose his license. It probably would have been a good idea to reiterate your insurance/financial agreement again before you got in the chair. Staff see several people walk through their doors every day and can't remember verbal conversations (without documentation) on all their patients. That's the whole reason for charting. Even the good ones will not be able to remember everything.......and I'm not saying those women were 'good ones'. These days, you should do your own charting of events just to CYA. Anytime I make a call regarding on overcharge or anything like that, I write down the time, date, and who I talked to. It has saved my bacon many times over.

Good on you for taking your issue right to the dentist and not engaging in conversation wtih the person you felt did you wrong. That was a great move!

Arguing solves nothing
With my temper , It would not have gone good
I was in control and loved ever second of it

 

[Caribou]

Not sure but I believe you need to inform the other party that the conversation is being recorded and get their consent.

Depends on the State. Some State laws require both parties to consent to recordings. that is why you get "this call is being recorded for training purposes."

 

[Caribou]

My dentist (which I am having to deal with next week) will always evaluate what you need, then escorted to the front office area, where I have my own version of Nurse Ratchet, except she is Nurse Hilga.

Hilga writes down exactly what is needed, and I am required to sign every procedure (which I am sure is a "promise to pay" signature, had I read the following 4 pages of consent attached behind the procedure page.

As far as recording the conversation, some states prohibit recording without the consent of all parties. Which states...? I don't know.

I do know my dentist owns the office, and calls the shots. He offered me a night guard to prevent grinding my teeth for a reduced price of $250, but Hilga wrote up the guard for $550. I told her the doc gave me a special price and told her to talk to him, which she did. She came back with her tail between her legs and said under her breath, "You're right."

I've found in today's economy, you must be acutely aware of any and all monetary transactions. They will separate you from your money quicker than a whore sweating in church.

Keep your appointment with the dentist. Smooze him by saying you absolutely love him and his work, and would like to continue being a patient there. Say that you and Nurse Ratchet had an understanding, was not trying to flake out on any money, but both you and Nurse Ratchet had made a verbal agreement to defer most of the payment until next year, but would immediately pay $500 until you have capped out your money for this year.

Hopefully he will understand what the initial intentions were, and who knows, maybe she has been known to do this in the past, and he is aware of her billing errors?

I get night guard/bite block for $75 and mold them myself. 90 seconds in warm water, quick rinse, then bite down, easy.