March 2022 by Ash Y.
I had the exactly same experience below. BILLING nightmare. Everything is canned response. . I am charged even though my insurance is at 100% preventative for my annual physical. I have excellent insurance and coverage working for a reputed company. When your doctor asks "any concerns" do you expect me to say no?! Never had my activity or doctor changed in the method of me going for preventative visits. Online support for mychart is very cookie cutter. There is NO transparency (they have a sign stating something where certain visits may be billed differently)- but that does not account for the fact that 1.) why was I not informed to begin with what constitutes to billable charge 2.) what prevented you in first place from charging me HUNDREDS more when I wasn't informed of the exact details to begin with. I asked NM to reverse the fees, they tell me since service was rendered it's not possible. They refuse to correct the coding stating it would be "fraudulent" - ironically I'm the one that is a victim of fraud from a doctor here and northwestern hospital dressed as wolf in sheep's clothing. So my question- why wasn't I informed to begin with there would be charge so I could lie to my doctor and tell her I am fine or at least inform me details on what separates preventative care fromwhat I discussed answering questions.You may want to rethink your website section About Us: Values · Patients first: Putting our patients first in all that we do... yeah I don't think so- putting money first. Be aware. Billing practices are unstable and concerning. I have been with northwestern for about 4 years same doctor I am looking for a different doctor and definitely not northwestern now. Ironically they refuse to waive almost $100 extra charge when my benefits paid them thousands from my surgery and diagnostics last year within NM. If you want to loose someone that made you thousands your team is doing well and keep it up!It took teeth and nails to get a phone number to their compliance department. Pretty interesting I asked the NPI number to my doctor and I was told I cannot be given it since the billing manager does not feel comfortable and I am told to "google it". Since it's public information I don't know how that crossed anyone's comfort level. BE WARNED.I have contacted my insurance company regarding this and they mentioned that there is a trend of this happening lately (coding related).I will be in process of looking into escalating this to illinois attorney generals office (health care complaint form) , Illinois Department of Public Health Office of Health Care Regulation and also medical board. My insurance has asked me to send them a message so they can monitor as well and forward to the liaison of the doctor involved for documentation to monitor and track patterns. Ironically I'm experiencing this and if the person below is experiencing this- all I can say is anyone going to this provider or northwestern- be warned.
