OMG.  I am really, really hating anyone who works with insurance and/or billing right now   ... I won't know exactly who deserves my wrath until Monday morning.

Back in November 2009 I got in touch with the hematologist who was finally able to give me a diagnosis and treatment plan (although I didn't know that at the time).  I live in southern Indiana... he was practicing at UAMS in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Excellent doctor.  Crappy, CRAPPY billing department.  I initially planned my visit for December 2009, but had to push it back one month in order to arrange childcare for my kids.  At that time, it was "out of network" on my insurance (Anthem), but I was so desperate for answers that I was willing to visit Arkansas anyway.  Imagine my delight when I arrived to find out that UAMS was suddenly "in network," significantly reducing my costs!!!

Last summer I got a bill from UAMS for more than $20,000.  I called my insurance company... it turned out that UAMS had submitted the claim under my old insurance for 2009 instead of my new insurance for 2010 (same company, slightly different set of policies).  I got the hospital to resubmit it under the new insurance.  Problem solved... I thought.  In November 2010 I got a bill for around $380.00.  That seemed reasonable.  A few weeks later (in December) I paid that off in one lump sum.  A few days later I got a threatening letter... if I didn't pay immediately my bill would be sent to a collections agency.  ????  I called the hospital to verify that I had made the payment... I also pointed out that I did NOT appreciate the threatening letter when I had done ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG.

So... when I opened my mail about half an hour ago, guess what was sitting in there... a bill from "Medical Investments of Little Rock"... I assume that's a collections agency... for $3808.00.  O.M.G.    Words cannot express how angry I am right now.  Since this a Friday evening I have to wait until Monday morning to figure out what in the $%&# is going on.  UGGGGGHHHHH.

I have insurance.  It's usually pretty good insurance.  I suspect UAMS is the party at fault... but we'll see.  One thing I do know... the stress is NOT GOOD FOR MY MAST CELLS.  $3800?????  Somebody is not doing their job, and I'm the one suffering for it.

Heather

Hi Heather,

That really stinks!!!  The doctor or hospital's billing messes things up, and then we have to spend our time sorting it all out.  Or, the insurance company messes it up, and then we have to do their jobs for them.  AAARRGH!  I think they make the most money on people who give up and just pay the bills.  Sad AND frustrating!!

Alright... I just sent a secure e-mail to the billing department at UAMS.  I'm also going to call them on Monday.

I hate this!!!!  I have insurance... I have income... I have never, EVER failed to pay a bill on time.  I was having a good day yesterday and then to come home and find this in my mailbox.... GRRRRRRRRR    It just makes me furious.  I'm trying not to think about it because I know the stress is not good for my health...

GRRRRRRRRR          

Thanks for letting me vent.  I know at least you guys understand

Heather

Heather;

    Brie's secondary Insurance is BCBS and it has been a NIGHTMARE!!!!!!    I am still fighting them over some bills from 13 months ago.  I am not exaggerating when I say that I spend about 15 hours a week sorting through medical bills, calling Insurance Companies (Mainly BCBS) and providers.  I can relate to what you are saying and feel for you.  Fight it all the way.  I truly think that they believe you will just give up and pay up and save them a buck.  It is so unfair!  Fight for what you are entitled to.

                                                                            Kim

I called UAMS plus the collection agency yesterday.  UAMS has "nothing" on my account.  The collection agency told me they're still waiting for my insurance to approve a PET scan.  Hence the $3808.00 bill.  They told me to ignore this bill, but call next month if I get another one.

WOW

I had that scan in January 2010.  It was a huge relief to me, because it was the only way to really rule out malignancy or Castleman's as the cause of all of the swelling in my lymph nodes.  Now I have confidence that the problem is 100% autoimmune.

Insurance!!!  

Heather