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  • Report:  #249620

Complaint Review: Texas Orthopaedic Associates - Dr. Timothy Schacherer

Texas Orthopaedic Associates - Dr. Timothy Schacherer refused to refund deposit for surgery never rendered ripoff Dallas Texas

  • Reported By:
    North Texas Texas
  • Submitted:
    Tue, May 22, 2007
  • Updated:
    Tue, January 06, 2009
  • Texas Orthopaedic Associates - Dr. Timothy Schacherer
    8210 Walnut Hill Ln Ste 130
    Dallas, Texas
    U.S.A.
  • Phone:
    214-750-1207
  • Category:

I visited Dr. Schacherer on a Friday with a broken elbow, along with x-rays from the emergency clinic. He advised surgery to attach small, permanent metal plates. I made a deposit of $500 for surgery scheduled the following Tues, paying for the deposit with my CitiBank credit card (CitiCard).

Over the weekend I thought hard about risks of surgery and permanent metal plates, changed my mind, and decided to seek a second opinion. I canceled the surgery, sending both e-mail and leaving phone messages with Dr. Schacherer's office.

On Monday I obtained a second opinion from another Doctor who noted from the same x-rays the fracture had not displaced (bones were aligned) and advised against surgery, suggesting a soft, removable cast and careful treatment. I confirmed my surgery cancellation with Dr. Schacherer's office the same day.

Since then, I have not been able to get my $500 deposit returned. Humana (insurance company) denied Dr. Schacherer's claim for the deposit, ruling it a "service not rendered". CitiCard tried to obtain a credit for the $500 charge on my behalf, but Dr. Schacherer's office refuses to honor their request.

Even though Texas Orthopaedic Associates and Dr. Timothy Schacherer may appear reputable, occupying offices in the same complex as Presbyterian Hospital, they are not. Do not be fooled. Go there at your own risk -- and if you do, then do not give them *any* deposits for any reason.

PS. My elbow healed 100%.

Broken Elbow Patient
North Texas, Texas
U.S.A.

5 Updates & Rebuttals


Dawn

Ft Worth,
Texas,
U.S.A.

Dr. Timothy Schacherer and Texas orthopedics

#6Consumer Comment

Tue, January 06, 2009

In regards to Dr. Timothy Schacherer and Texas orthopedics. I found Dr. Schacherer after a surgeon in Bedford severed my medial nerve during a routine carpal tunnel release. Dr. Schacherer fixed my hand. He is an amzing Dr. with a wonderful bedside manner and tons and tons of experience. Texas orthopedics has been nothing but courteous and patient when it comes to my bill. allowing me to make payments and not hounding me about it. after 6 months i still remain under his care. which tells me that he is not only concerned about the original surgery but the end result. I would reccommend Dr. Schacherer and Texas Orthopedics to anyone who needs a Great ortho Dr.

Loyal Patient


Arog

Dallas,
Texas,
U.S.A.

Another patient of Texas Orthopaedic Associates - Dr. Timothy Schacherer

#6Consumer Comment

Tue, September 02, 2008

I have been a patient of 5 different doctors at Texas Orthopaedic Associates and Dr. Timothy Schacherer is by far my favorite. I saw the first doctor there in 1997 after breaking my ankle and foot in a fall. Though I worked at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas in the Corporate offices, I knew no orthopedics, so I asked the Orthopedic staff in the hospital who was the best. They referred me to a doctor at Texas Orthopaedic Associates. I have been seeing doctors there ever since. I have tried others, but do not find them as knowledgeable or as personable. I do have a orthopedic for my back, not associated with this group, but only because I found him before TOA had a back specialist.

I have had many occasions to have to work out payment plans or delayed payments with them and never been hassled. In one incident, a new, unproven procedure was offered and I told them only if it was approved by my insurance. An assistant mistakenly told me that it had been approved, I had the procedure, and found it was not approved. I was upset, wrote letters, but only received monthly invoices in reply. So, I began making what small payments I could. After a few months, when I knew I needed a rather major foot surgery, that I had put off for 3 years, I called and spoke to a live person about the situation. When I explained what had happened and that I thought they should accept some responsibility for misinforming me regarding the insurance, I was asked if I could send a $150 payment in settlement of the account. I did, and was relieved not to have nearly $1000 hanging over my head anymore.

The doctors do not get involved in the billing, as they pay someone else to do that. But I have always found them to be reasonable and accommodating to my payment needs. The doctors are the best and Dr. Schacherer is the sweetest, most caring of all.

I do not know all the circumstances surrounding your deposit agreement with them, as I have never been asked for a deposit, though I do have deductibles and co-pays on my insurance plan. I think you should try to call and talk to someone else, maybe a supervisor, in billing and see if you cannot get a fair resolution.


Arog

Dallas,
Texas,
U.S.A.

Another patient of Texas Orthopaedic Associates and Dr. Timothy Schacherer

#6Consumer Comment

Tue, September 02, 2008

I have been a patient of 5 different doctors at Texas Orthopaedic Associates and Dr. Timothy Schacherer is by far my favorite. I saw the first doctor there in 1997 after breaking my ankle and foot in a fall. Though I worked at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas in the Corporate offices, I knew no orthopedics, so I asked the Orthopedic staff in the hospital who was the best. They referred me to a doctor at Texas Orthopaedic Associates. I have been seeing doctors there ever since. I have tried others, but do not find them as knowledgeable or as personable. I do have a orthopedic for my back, not associated with this group, but only because I found him before TOA had a back specialist.

I have had many occasions to have to work out payment plans or delayed payments with them and never been hassled. In one incident, a new, unproven procedure was offered and I told them only if it was approved by my insurance. An assistant mistakenly told me that it had been approved, I had the procedure, and found it was not approved. I was upset, wrote letters, but only received monthly invoices in reply. So, I began making what small payments I could. After dragging out payments for over a year, I called and spoke to a live person about the situation. When I explained what had happened and that I thought they should accept some responsibility for misinforming me regarding the insurance, I was asked if I could send a $150 payment in settlement of the account. I did, and was relieved not to have nearly $1000 hanging over my head anymore.

The doctors do not get involved in the billing, as they pay someone else to do that. But I have always found them to be reasonable and accommodating to my payment needs. The doctors are the best and Dr. Schacherer is the sweetest, most caring of all. My most recent surgery was just a couple months ago and I was sorry it was my foot, not my hand, because it would not be done by Dr. S.

I do not know all the circumstances surrounding your deposit agreement with them, as I have never been asked for a deposit, though I do have deductibles and co-pays on my insurance plan. I think you should try to call and talk to someone else, maybe a supervisor, in billing and see if you cannot get a fair resolution.


Arog

Dallas,
Texas,
U.S.A.

Another patient of Texas Orthopaedic Associates and Dr. Timothy Schacherer

#6Consumer Comment

Tue, September 02, 2008

I have been a patient of 5 different doctors at Texas Orthopaedic Associates and Dr. Timothy Schacherer is by far my favorite. I saw the first doctor there in 1997 after breaking my ankle and foot in a fall. Though I worked at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas in the Corporate offices, I knew no orthopedics, so I asked the Orthopedic staff in the hospital who was the best. They referred me to a doctor at Texas Orthopaedic Associates. I have been seeing doctors there ever since. I have tried others, but do not find them as knowledgeable or as personable. I do have a orthopedic for my back, not associated with this group, but only because I found him before TOA had a back specialist.

I have had many occasions to have to work out payment plans or delayed payments with them and never been hassled. In one incident, a new, unproven procedure was offered and I told them only if it was approved by my insurance. An assistant mistakenly told me that it had been approved, I had the procedure, and found it was not approved. I was upset, wrote letters, but only received monthly invoices in reply. So, I began making what small payments I could. After dragging out payments for over a year, I called and spoke to a live person about the situation. When I explained what had happened and that I thought they should accept some responsibility for misinforming me regarding the insurance, I was asked if I could send a $150 payment in settlement of the account. I did, and was relieved not to have nearly $1000 hanging over my head anymore.

The doctors do not get involved in the billing, as they pay someone else to do that. But I have always found them to be reasonable and accommodating to my payment needs. The doctors are the best and Dr. Schacherer is the sweetest, most caring of all. My most recent surgery was just a couple months ago and I was sorry it was my foot, not my hand, because it would not be done by Dr. S.

I do not know all the circumstances surrounding your deposit agreement with them, as I have never been asked for a deposit, though I do have deductibles and co-pays on my insurance plan. I think you should try to call and talk to someone else, maybe a supervisor, in billing and see if you cannot get a fair resolution.


Arog

Dallas,
Texas,
U.S.A.

Another patient of Texas Orthopaedic Associates and Dr. Timothy Schacherer

#6Consumer Comment

Tue, September 02, 2008

I have been a patient of 5 different doctors at Texas Orthopaedic Associates and Dr. Timothy Schacherer is by far my favorite. I saw the first doctor there in 1997 after breaking my ankle and foot in a fall. Though I worked at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas in the Corporate offices, I knew no orthopedics, so I asked the Orthopedic staff in the hospital who was the best. They referred me to a doctor at Texas Orthopaedic Associates. I have been seeing doctors there ever since. I have tried others, but do not find them as knowledgeable or as personable. I do have a orthopedic for my back, not associated with this group, but only because I found him before TOA had a back specialist.

I have had many occasions to have to work out payment plans or delayed payments with them and never been hassled. In one incident, a new, unproven procedure was offered and I told them only if it was approved by my insurance. An assistant mistakenly told me that it had been approved, I had the procedure, and found it was not approved. I was upset, wrote letters, but only received monthly invoices in reply. So, I began making what small payments I could. After dragging out payments for over a year, I called and spoke to a live person about the situation. When I explained what had happened and that I thought they should accept some responsibility for misinforming me regarding the insurance, I was asked if I could send a $150 payment in settlement of the account. I did, and was relieved not to have nearly $1000 hanging over my head anymore.

The doctors do not get involved in the billing, as they pay someone else to do that. But I have always found them to be reasonable and accommodating to my payment needs. The doctors are the best and Dr. Schacherer is the sweetest, most caring of all. My most recent surgery was just a couple months ago and I was sorry it was my foot, not my hand, because it would not be done by Dr. S.

I do not know all the circumstances surrounding your deposit agreement with them, as I have never been asked for a deposit, though I do have deductibles and co-pays on my insurance plan. I think you should try to call and talk to someone else, maybe a supervisor, in billing and see if you cannot get a fair resolution.

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