My visit went very well. I saw the doctor that came down from Bend. Very helpfull and professional. The trouble came after the appointment was over. I went on TriWest with a community care referal from the VA. A few months later I was sent a bill. Thought it was a mistake, called the office and the older lady secretary told me that the VA had not responded with a payment and that I needed to call them to sort it out. Said they would send the bill to collections otherwise. I asked them not to send me to collections and they said I wouldn't if I called the VA to sort it out. I did. Not sure how this is the patient's job but whatever, I'm willing to help to avoid collections. The representative at the VA told me that it was against federal law for them to be trying to charge me. She also told me that the older secretary had written down the wrong numbers on the claim. A simple fix, just have to submit a correction online. The VA rep made a 3 way call to the clinic with me listening in. Told the secretary nicely that it is a violation of federal law for them to be billing me directly and threatening collections. The VA rep then began to explain where to go online to submit a correction. The secretary very rudely stated "I'm not going online". The VA rep told her that the only way to correct her erroneous entries was to submit the ticket online and that if she didn't want to do that the clinic would have to write it off. The VA rep also emphasized that if the clinic billed me or sent me to collections they would be in violation of federal law and a suit would follow. Here it is, several months later, and that secretary called once again demanding payment for the same bill. Said she would send me to collections if I didn't come in and pay it. After the VA rep hung up with the secretary all those months ago she told me to let them know if they tried to collect from me personally again and that they would begin the process of finding them in violation of the law and fines would follow. After the secretary's phone call threatening collections today I responded with "send me to collections, I'll see you in court." Will call VA tomorrow to start the punitive process. This secretary will be the downfall of this practice. I can't believe she is trying to collect from me personally despite the stern warnings of its illegality. Funny thing is, the bill is $90. I think the fine is in the neighborhood of $250k if I remember correctly. If the doctor was wise she would fire this secretary immediately.
