Do I have grounds to ask the rehab center where an unnecessary test was performed to pay the bill?

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Do I have grounds to ask the rehab center where an unnecessary test was performed to pay the bill?

Before an appointment with a voice therapist, I asked how much it would cost. I was told $180 which I paid upon leaving. Later, I received a bill for $982 from the hospital where the therapist office was. Apparently, a piece of equipment used by the therapist is owned by the hospital. I have since been told by the therapist that performed the test that it was not necessary for my treatment. The equipment was used to look at the back of my throat. I had already had an ENT look at the back of my throat and a gastroenterologist perform an endoscopy to look at my throat. Both found nothing.

Asked on February 10, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, South Carolina

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

I would absolutely not pay the bill and fight them all the way.  You need to do thins in writing and maybe in person and you need to make sure that the therapist is copied on all the letters. Tell the exactly what you said here: that you asked prior to making the appointment as to the fees involved and that the appointment was made based upon their representation on the phone.  That the therapist was aware that you had had these prior medical tests and that you were there for a specific reason and that reason only for which you intended to to e included in the cost of the visit. That the "test" was used in an effort to obtain a higher fee and was not the basis for the visit AND was medically unneccessary based upon the prior testing that was done.  That if they pursue the matte you will report their fraudulent practices to the state licensing division for hospitals and the state attorney general's office.   Good luck.  


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