Consumer complaint received 05-07-2016 about Debt collection (Medical) with Monterey Financial Services LLC (CA).
Issue: False statements or representation
Sub-issue: Attempted to collect wrong amount

Complaint: I received a letter dated XXXX XXXX, XXXX from Monterey Collections ( XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX Account No : XXXX ), stating that I owed {$2400.00} for laboratory work performed by XXXX XXXX XXXX , XXXX. 

My physician, XXXX XXXX, XXXX, who has been my doctor since XX/XX/XXXX, recommended this lab because of the broader range of testing they perform. 
I informed XXXX XXXX that my insurance plan requires that I utilize lab services at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX for coverage. He assured me I would not be responsible for any charges even if my insurance did not cover these services. He had previously explained this in similar fashion to my husband who used these services. Our insurance may a partial payment and the lab wrote-off the balance, as was stated to him by XXXX XXXX and the laboratory on the day of the blood draw. 

When I reported to the lab 's local draw-site I restated my concerns of coverage before any XXXX and was reassured that I was not responsible for any charges, and that I would not be billed. XXXX is part of my XXXX and is covered by insurance. The collection date was XXXX/XXXX/XXXX. 

On XXXX XXXX, XXXX, received the above noted letter from Monterey Collections and I immediately called them with the previously stated explanation. The representative made the statement that the doctor sent me there because he receives a kickback from the lab ( her statement, not mine ) and regardless, I still owe {$2400.00}. She also stated that the sales reps lie and asked if I had the statements in writing, which I do not. I was told by my doctor that the lab takes what insurance pays and there is no further charge. I had no reason to believe my physician was not being truthful. I am quite sure he was told by this laboratory that this was their policy. I went to this lab in good faith, and furthermore, I checked with them again on their policy at that time and I was told the same information. If there was a policy change, it should have been posted at the laboratory draw center and I should have been informed at that time. 

In my opinion, I believe I am a victim of fraud. Fraud in health care is defined as an " intentional act '' of deception or misrepresentation. I very clearly stated my concerns regarding using this lab and was reassured that I would not be responsible for any charges. Furthermore, I never received any bill for this service until now, 16 months later, and that bill is from Monterey Collections. I have additional concerns that my credit rating will be tarnished and this may affect my ability to transact business in the future. I am extremely concerned my good name has been potentially damaged. 

Please investigate XXXX XXXX XXXX , XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX, XXXX XXXX, XXXX. Attached is the letter I received from the Collection Agency. 

I believe there are many other victims of this laboratory 's deception. 


Respectfully, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. 
XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation