I’ve noted here and here the beginning parts of my fight against Ballard Emergency Physicians(BEP)/Swedish Medical Center – Ballard and Premera because of failing to let me know prior to my emergency room visit that though the facility (Swedish Medical Center – Ballard) is in-network with my insurance, Ballard Emergency Physicians are not, leading to charges 2-3x the maximum allowed, leaving me with the remainder. I’m not the only one this has happened to, and it’s been a problem for another woman I know with a similar situation to mine.
I’ve made some noise to make a difference, pretty much the best way I know how. I started by sending my story to my state legislators, Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles and Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson. Both of them sent me personal responses, and even had their staff do research on my situation. They not only filed a complaint with the Insurance Commission for me (which, unfortunately, did not end up to my benefit), but also gave me further resources, and Rep. Dickerson indicated an interest in researching sponsoring legislation regarding the practice.
The letters to Senators Murray and Cantwell received completely canned responses, which was not entirely unexpected, but also discouraging while Healthcare Reform is such a big topic. Rep. McDermott has not yet sent me a reply.
I also took it upon myself a few weeks ago to file a complaint with the Washington Attorney General‘s office due to what I believe to be deceptive business practices on the part of the Ballard Emergency Physicians and the Swedish Medical Center – Ballard Emergency Room. I also filed a complaint with the Department of Health, on the grounds that standard tests that should have been done during my visit, were not done. Additionally, they have charged me for an “in-person consultation,” which did not happen.
I started the appeals process with my insurer, Premera, a few months ago, having been initially instructed by BEP’s Oklahoma City, OK based billing department to do so in order to qualify for a reduced charge after my denial. My first insurance appeal was denied, and this week I have the privilege of going before an appeals panel, in person, to make my case. I’m wishing I hadn’t serendipitously gotten my hair dyed a fabulous color over the weekend, but hopefully they’ll listen to me over my hair.
I should know where I stand with the charges by the end of the week. I’m not expecting much, but I will count this as an educational experience for me (and any readers I might have). I’m hopeful that in the very least, I will get the reduced charge that I was initially promised from the billing agents in OKC. I’m not holding my breath, however.
After all, that would just mean another ER trip…
See previously: Emergency Room Charges, Ballard Emergency Physicians and Swedish Ballard Emergency Room
Tags: ballard, ballard emergency physicians, health care, medical, premera, seattle, swedish medical center, washington state