Bait and Switch
I went to a podiatrist in January for foot pain. Of course he prescribed custom orthotics. I was aware my insurance probably wouldn’t cover it and they provided a typed out paper that said the most I would pay for them, out of pocket, was $561 total. I paid $275 as a deposit. Insurance didn’t cover them, fine. Now, in April I am receiving a bill, not for the remaining $286 but for 800+ dollars. They are now charging me twice as much for the orthotics. They’re charging out each foot at the price I was quoted for both. I spoke with their billing department and was told they were acquired by a larger company and changed pricing. But, she agreed that in January it is likely that I was quoted the price I was expecting $561 and that I should just owe the $286. She said there has been confusion over several accounts similar to mine and that she would put in a request for review that would go to the doctor and practice manager and she’d call me back. That was 2 weeks ago. I’m now getting collection calls from the parent company and the office billing manager hasn’t called back. I’ve tried to call her 4-5 times and left messages 3 times but I get nothing. What can I do? How do I fight this? They quoted me in writing. If the person gave the wrong quote that isn’t my fault. I can only go by what they gave me in writing.