Huge medical bills question...please help?
This is really sad story. My DD is 9 months old and she was born with minor hip dislocation. When we took her to in network doctor, he misdiagnosed her and we missed valuable time in her treatment. We decided to take her to orthopedic surgeon who is considered one of the best and who is out of our network. When we first made an appointment, his staff told us that whatever insurance company will pay, they will accept as full payment. Well, now they retracted their word and insurance company covered only half of the bill and now they are demanding full payment. We are facing with huge medical bills and they are threatening to send it to collection agency. What can we do?
Answers:
Well you should have got in writing the agreement that they made with you but it's too late for that. You can dispute the charge and maybe get a lawyer to write them a letter that states in bold terms that any damage to your credit caused by the attempt to collect more than the agreed upon amout will result in a suit on your behald against the Doctor. Probably cost you about $100 to get the letter written.
Unless you have something in writing from the physician, you are responsible. Not much you can do but maybe contact the physician and reason with them. Ask if they can take payments until the balance is paid. I would just put it to them this way, would it be better if we pay you a little at a time or not at all? Because if you send us to collections, you will be paid nothing.
Explain to them that this is a hardship and you are disappointed that they went back on their word regarding your insurance. I'm sure they would rather get some money rather than none at all.
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As others have said...if you didn't get it in writing, you have no proof of payment agreement (who told you this? Doctor or staff?). I would attempt to work this out with the doctor first. You can usually work out a payment plan, most places are pretty cool about that kind of stuff.
If you really feel that you should not have to pay or can't pay, and the doctor won't work this out with you, I figure you have two options. One, get a lawyer and fight them. Two, tell them to go f**k themselves. You can always protest things on your credit report. Banks and lending institutions tend to be more lenient or overlook when you default/protest doctors bills as opposed to utilities, car payments, etc.
Something akin to this happened to me (not as serious), and I informed the doctors office (in writing) that I was not paying their bill and why. When it appeared on my credit report, I protested it. I was still able to get a car loan and a mortgage.
I hope everything with your daughter goes well and Good Luck!
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