I went to Tower II for a consult visit with Dr. Pulley. While I found Dr. Pulley to be a competent physician and the staff professional, the UF staff did not properly disclose that I would be charged as if I was being seen in a hospital. My current ENT is located within a hospital, but I have never been charged as such. What this meant for me was this: They collected my $30 copay - per my insurance benefits to see a specialist on the day of my visit. I thought that was all I owed. Then about a month later I received a bill for $285.25 for physician charges, then another one about a week later for $47.59 for hospital charges. I called to inquire about the charges and they told me it was because UF bills everything as if I was being seen in a hospital. This completely changes the way my benefits with insurance are processed. This was never explained to me when I called to schedule the appointment, nor when I arrived for my appointment. I wasn't even seen in a hospital. I asked for an office manager to call me back to discuss the lack of disclosure, but that never happened. A member of the office staff called me and just reiterated the same information. I again asked for an office manager to call back. That never happened. I called the billing office and they told me I could file a dispute - so that's what I did. About a month later I received a very short letter stating the charges were billed correctly and that I owed the amount on the statements. There was no contact information to speak with them directly, just the main telephone number to contact if I had any other questions. Had I known I would be out of pocket almost $400 for a second opinion consult, then I would have chosen another provider. I know it's my responsibility as the policy holder to know my benefits - and I do. But when the staff fails to disclose vital information about the billing policy as a hospital, then I can't make an educated decision on whether to visit this facility or physician. What's even more troublesome is the lack of contact information to speak with and dispute charges to my account. I now know to never seek a consult or ever visit a UF facility for any future medical needs.
