I received a bill from Blount Gastroenterology Associates for $141.00. Cariten (my previous insurance company) made payments of $30.88 and $52.44. The remaining amount is $57.68. Cariten was my insurance provider at the time of this visit. Humana has since purchased Cariten.
When I went to your office, I was there for 20 minutes and only spoke to a nurse practicioner. Dr. Marsh spoke to me for less than five minutes. The charge of $141 obviously does not warrant a 20 minute visit to the office when I only received consultation and was rescheduled for a future visit. My mother in law was with me and will be used as a witness.
The lady in charge of billing said that all doctors must follow a bullet system for the codes to price office visits no matter how long a patient has been seen. I spoke to Humana and they said they have never heard of such a system. Humana also believes this charge is outrageous and said they will seek recollection of the charges that they have paid for this visit.
Other doctor bills I have received from other offices for 20 minute visits were not nearly as costly as Blount Gastroenterology Associates. I will agree to pay a resonable amount for a 20 minute office visit, but $141 is outrageous. Unless this bill is recalculated, I will not be paying it. Humana has also begun the paperwork necessary for them to recollect the payments they have already made.
Do not send me any further bills. If Blount Gastroenterology Associates wishes to send me a fair bill for the service rendered, then I am willing to talk.