Consumer complaint received 2017-02-13
Company: Frost-Arnett Company
State: NC
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Medical
Issue: False statements or representation
Sub-issue: Attempted to collect wrong amount

Complaint:
This began when I had to find a new XXXX who performed XXXX / XXXX because my doctor moved out of state. When I initially began seeing this doctor it was from a referral of a XXXX that did not perform XXXX. Due to the XXXX I can experience, at times it requires I take XXXX. As this clinic deals specifically with XXXX, it would be clear that their patients may, at times, be in a XXXX and XXXX the information on the forms they complete for the physician. At no time was I verbally informed, or any signage present, to make clear this doctor, who was XXXX out of a freestanding office building, was operating and billing his practice as XXXX services. After a few visits, I saw my medical EOBS and immediately discontinued seeing this physician. Then I began speaking with their billing service about making a lump payment arrangement for the XXXX visits once all medical bills have been run thru and paid out accordingly by my insurance company. Their billing company supposedly agreed. However, they did not file the last visit, with my insurance co, in a timely manner and decided to send my balances to a collection agency. That agency, Frost-Arnett, sent request for money without any documentation other than provider name and lump sum. I paid XXXX visits and those were supposedly resolved. After I began reviewing my insurance EOBS against their collection claims, I realized they were starting out with amounts that were not valid according to my insurance company. My doctor is contractually only allowed to collect from me what he agrees with insurance. Frost -Arnet was hired to collect more than I was contractually obligated. Since we had come to agreement on a reduced amount for the XXXX visits, I felt that fair and did not pursue adjustment. However, on the unpaid visit that eventually was processed thru insurance, they are attempting to collect 3 times what the EOB states I am required to pay. The final visit had no obligation for the insured as I met all out of pocket/deductible expenses. Since I knew they were attempting to collect an invalid amount, I requested Frost-Arnet provide an itemized statement from the doctor. What was provided, did not match what was valid financially for that visit. I sent, via confirmed fax, a letter of dispute with insurance EOB proof that the amount was invalid. I requested they contact doctor and correct amount for me to consider pmt. They ignored this request and sent another pmt request with the suggestion I use tax refund money to pay it. In addition, the wording lies in that it states they have not been able to contact me. I have regular documentation of names, dates, and fax confirmation to prove there has been LOTS of contact. Therefore, I submit they are operating under lies, misrepresentations, and character XXXX. As they are contracted to provide this service for the doctor 's billing, I hold all parties involved equally responsible and they need to cease this fraudulent collection attempt and lies that I have not made effort to resolve this matter. I will make payment against the valid amount and wish to be done with all parties related to this matter. I refuse to do so until the amount of collection reflects the amount the doctor can contractually collect. Please help get them to comply with how they should be operating under the Fair Debt Collection practices.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation