Community Chat

[151949]

There is only one place in our small town to get outpatient radiology services. I went there last week for a dopplar study on my left leg. I have a medicare advantage plan so I don't have medicare as my insurer. The girl behind the counter handed me a form to sign saying that they would bill the test to medicare and if medicare doesn't pay it I agreed to pay in full. I handed it back to her and explained that I am not insured by medicare so, of course , they would not pay for it and they need to bill it to my medicare advantage carrier.She said I had to sign the form anyway and I said no and she said no sign - no test, so I had to sign it.

Today, my friend was telling me she had the same issue there and she ended up being billed for her mammo because they had billed medicare and she doesn't have medicare as her insurance. She said when she went to the office there they actually waved the paper she had signed in her face. She paid the bill cash and now will have to try and be reimbursed from her insurance. Are they allowed to do this?? Doesn't seem like it should be allowed legally since they are supposed to be participants in our PPO.