Complaint Review: Gary Kijanka DMD

I've been going to Dr. Gary Kijanka for almost 10 years, always impressed by his intelligence, education, humor and skill. I trusted and recommended him to others, including my own son. My son is learning disabled and has Type 1 diabetes, so we try to choose providers carefully, given his insurance coverage and income.

However, given our most recent experience it's clearly just all about the $$$$ for Dr. Gary Kijanka. Dr. Kijanka's staff evidently now is also willing to deceive to try to avoid reimbursing for overcharges.

My son has Humana, went to Dr. Kijanka, needed a crown, but only could get a metal one, and paid $322.50 on my credit card on 6/28/2012.  He was told he didn't need to pay anymore, but would have to pay for a filling, which he did on 7/19 ($16.40). He returned for a cleaning on 7/26, then was sent a bill for $346.10! We put the charge on my credit card. My son asked why and Kijanka's staff told him they thought he  had a PPO --- when they knew he had a DMO.

My son filed a grievance with Humana, which ruled on 10/22 that Kijanka overcharged by $200.00.  Humana stated they had spoken with a member of his staff and adjustments would be made. I sent a letter to Dr. Kijanka, when his office didn't call or write. I placed a merchant dispute, sent follow-up letters. Finally one of Dr. Kijanka's staff called to say they had received the check back due to a problem with our mailing address. They had the correct address. This was now on 11/7. They then sent a check in the amount of $25, dated 11/7, postmarked 11/13 --- even though I had told them NOT to send the check. I called and his staff claimed they spoke with Humana and they only owed $25.00. I called Humana on 11/8 and they had no record of such a discussion with Kijanka's office. Dr. Kijanka's office tried to claim the extra charges were for "unlisted procedures" --- after the fact. Needless to say, this is also lack of full disclosure at the time of service.

We refused and returned the check for $25. I am continuing the merchant dispute and have notified Humana of Dr. Kijanka's actions. If he does not want to be a Humana provider, then he should not be. I will file in Small Claims Court, if needed. If he did not know about the actions of his staff, he should have. I actually sent him a letter addressed "Personal & Confidential" on 10/27/2012. His staff claims he never "deals" with those kinds of things. Maybe he should start.

Both my son and I will be choosing new dentists. I find it particularly reprehensible Dr. Kijanka's office should try to take advantage of someone with disabilities.