What is the name of your state? CT
I am the caretaker for my 84-year-old mother. She has mobility issues and uses a walker in her apartment and a wheelchair for external appointments.
Recently, she had an appointment with her neurologist; the entire point of the visit was to review xrays that she had done through an outside vendor. When we got to the doctors office (which is located on the second floor), we found that the elevator was out of order and the tiny lobby was crowded with other patients.
I ran up to let the people in the office know that the elevator was not working and to ask what we should do next... they sent me back to the lobby and said the doctor would come down.
While waiting, another doctor in the practice showed up and began giving an exam to another wheelchair-bound patient, including openly discussing that patients history, all about two feet away from us.
When my mother’s doctor showed up, she stated that she didn’t have the xrays needed for the appointment (I have a written statement from the radiologist stating that the results were sent weeks earlier.) There was, therefore, no reason for the appointment. I called the office later that day and told them that the whole ordeal was a waste of time and that we should not be billed as no actual services were performed.
They billed us anyway. In fact, they’ve sent the bill to collections and are now threatening legal action.
I don’t believe we should pay. I also feel the practice should be reported to the State, as the situation in the lobby seems like a glaring HIPAA violation. Any suggestions?
I am the caretaker for my 84-year-old mother. She has mobility issues and uses a walker in her apartment and a wheelchair for external appointments.
Recently, she had an appointment with her neurologist; the entire point of the visit was to review xrays that she had done through an outside vendor. When we got to the doctors office (which is located on the second floor), we found that the elevator was out of order and the tiny lobby was crowded with other patients.
I ran up to let the people in the office know that the elevator was not working and to ask what we should do next... they sent me back to the lobby and said the doctor would come down.
While waiting, another doctor in the practice showed up and began giving an exam to another wheelchair-bound patient, including openly discussing that patients history, all about two feet away from us.
When my mother’s doctor showed up, she stated that she didn’t have the xrays needed for the appointment (I have a written statement from the radiologist stating that the results were sent weeks earlier.) There was, therefore, no reason for the appointment. I called the office later that day and told them that the whole ordeal was a waste of time and that we should not be billed as no actual services were performed.
They billed us anyway. In fact, they’ve sent the bill to collections and are now threatening legal action.
I don’t believe we should pay. I also feel the practice should be reported to the State, as the situation in the lobby seems like a glaring HIPAA violation. Any suggestions?