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[MM1]

I guess I'm more pleased than disappointed.  And, I have a system to offset their inefficiencies so the convenience overrides any inconvenience. 

In fact, I get the convenience and I just hand the inconvenience back to THEM.  So, for me, it works.

[BigRedDog]

So MM1 and BRD (I respect ya both from yur past posts, whether I agree w/ them or not), why refer anybody to them?  At least without a caveat?

I still do use local Drs., but I've actually had 1 look up at me in surprise while he reviewed my bloodwork results and said, (absolute quote) "Promedica? Why Promedica?"

As with any 'business' the experience you have with their billing department can certainly impact your overall satisfaction level with the business.  Very honestly arbydave, the billing is the only real issue we've had with them in the past few years since my wife and I have both had to spend more time than we want to on medical care.  Our doctors are here in town (for the most part) so it's just "easier" to deal with the few problems that they do have.

I had a stent put in a year ago at St. V's in Toledo...   

the bill was ginormous and we had no issues with anything conflicting between our BCBS and their billing system (and they're a lot bigger than MMH) so I know 'it can be done' without all the hassle.

Hopefully this is something the current administration will work on as it does drive some business away I'm sure.

When our youngest (now almost 22) was born my wife's OB-GYN refused to deliver her at MMH.  We drove to Livonia to St. Mary's and had an absolutely wonderful experience.  And the first time my wife had to go to St. Joe's in Ypsi she popped right up in their 'system' with all the correct info except for one minor change from our BCBS card #. 

We did think we were getting into a 'billing issue' with them after her last visit a few weeks ago though.

Then we got a letter from wife's employer explaining that BCBS was having some problems and was showing some members in good standing as having no insurance...   which was exactly what St. Joe's was telling my wife had happened.  The employer had a "work around phone number" and we called St. Joe's and gave them the number and haven't heard anything more so I'm guessing it must have taken care of the glitch.

I can only imagine what would have happened if the same thing happened here in Monroe though

I guess we see it as easier to put up with the 'frustration' of the billing department since we feel we're getting good medical care...   still easier than going 'out of town' for us for 'everything'.

[arpydave]

I'm glad you have it worked out for "you" MM1.

Appearently whatever your "system" is hasn't been integrated into any Continuous Improvement project there, so quality care extends beyond 1 individual/family.

[MM1]

I'm glad you have it worked out for "you" MM1.

Appearently whatever your "system" is hasn't been integrated into any Continuous Improvement project there, so quality care extends beyond 1 individual/family.

I'm not sure what that means.

Anything it will take to fix that system will take more than one person, and believe me I have no dilusions that my "system" will fix it.  It's just a "system"  that allows me to utilize the convenience of the service since I choose NOT to go to Toledo or Downriver or Ypsilanti when a few blocks away will suffice.   That's all. 

And, whether or not it makes a difference, I will continue to cc the President and CEO. It's a management philosophy of mine that you don't complain across, you complain UP.  If it's a waste of a stamp, so be it.  It's no trouble for me to send 2 as opposed to 1 letter. 


MMH does not hold the only Ace when it comes to medical billing screwups.  It's a pretty well SHARED talent throughout the medical service industry.   

[BigRedDog]

I'm not sure what that means.

Anything it will take to fix that system will take more than one person, and believe me I have no dilusions that my "system" will fix it.  It's just a "system"  that allows me to utilize the convenience of the service since I choose NOT to go to Toledo or Downriver or Ypsilanti when a few blocks away will suffice.   That's all. 

And, whether or not it makes a difference, I will continue to cc the President and CEO. It's a management philosophy of mine that you don't complain across, you complain UP.  If it's a waste of a stamp, so be it.  It's no trouble for me to send 2 as opposed to 1 letter. 


MMH does not hold the only Ace when it comes to medical billing screwups.  It's a pretty well SHARED talent throughout the medical service industry.   

I'm sure they're not alone in their field on that one...

and I don't doubt it's because there is a lot of confusion when it comes to billing...

We have generally stayed away from going to Toledo for some medical services (it's not that far for us) because our insurance plan just doesn't cover many of the Toledo facilities.  I was very happy when I was facing the stent that St. V's was in our coverage. 

That has been our only experience with them and as I said...   

even though the bill was ginormous there weren't any issues...

and we don't go to St. Joe's much either...

one baby and then twice in the last couple of years for my wife to see a kidney specialist....

and only one problem that turned out to be a BCBS  (emphasis on the BS part of it too ) issue and not the hospital billing (as we at first surmised).  And I was impressed that they found my wife in their "system" after 20 years and from a different hospital 40 miles away

Maybe it's just the sheer "volume" of business we do with MMH...   

but it does get frustrating to say the least

[MorningStar]

Update: In case anyone else is interested - I went to the lab next to Dr. Kabir's office.  It was an Excellent choice! No waiting, exceptionally clean, friendly and more importantly for me they are very, very good - hardly felt the needle and it was quick! I will go here for any future lab work! Thanks to all for the recommendation to this lab! Have a Great Day 

[The Chicken]

all of these lab places are all outreach centers for MMH...  I just had 12 vials of blood drawn and 24 xray views..

I went to the center across from the hospital.. the one in Dundee is open till 10pm seven days a week... but I had to have one of the xrays standing...

I don't understand why they all were not standing... of course I don't see the reason I am on my third doctor.. the first one I saw, they refused to fill my albuterol etc... until the got my records... Then I found out on day three they never requested them..  then I wrote a letter explaining the situation and how concerned I was about not having an inhaler..  they wrote me a letter saying I have too many medical problems, I needed to find a different Primary Care... 

So.. onto Dr. kabir.. he will see anyone, but I don't like him..   He bought out Middleton so technically he inherited me...  He would not write any scripts except for my asthma..   He said I needed to see a Rhumatologist..  he never asked me if I had one, or when was the last time I saw my doctor.. he did not want records all he wanted me to do was go somewhere else... 

FINE!  But I am not giving in like I did the last time I was here and ran out of meds... I went to three doctors that time, all I got was taken off my antiinflamatory that cost me four dollars to fill... and put on one that cost me 90 dollars to fill  then I got the worse case of sciatica in my life! 

I cannot believe how they refer people around in this town..  I have been going to the same practice since 1989... I don't always see the same doctor, but they refer me out if I need to see a specialist and when I am stable on a med.. my PC then prescibes it... I would be seeing four different doctors a month here...  Last time I could not find a doc to fill my Cymbalta.. I know Kabir writes the stuff because he put my mother on it and She could not handle such a drug..  so kabir is just being a pinhead because I reamed him more than once over stuff he had my mom on...   

unfortunately I am not that common and tend to stand out in a crowd.. lol 

But its a racket.. I have been doing utilization review for over 20 years.. this town has a serious problem with padding tabs and this referring you all around the block..

I could see it if I were not on a stable course of treatment.. or if I had a new complaint.. but the old saying is if it ain't broke.. don't fix it!   Well..  they are making me broke..

Last year when I was here, I was bullyied buy one doctor all because she didn't like my anti inflamatory that only cost me four dollars to fill...  the spine doctor here in town.. Took me off my Cymbalta and put me on a med I told her I had already failed at...   I should have argued.. So I ended up with 200 dollars of meds that totally decompensated me.. I had the worse case of sciatica in my life..  and then she sent me to the pain management doctor who instantly ordered over 4k in testing.. when I had the billing department tell me what my co pays would be.. I went back to his office and told them I refuse..   He ordered this med I cannot afford.. its over 600 a month.. he said its not his problem..  I refuse to ever go back there..   They drug tested me..  They charged my insurance 675 dollars to see if I had drugs in my pee...  that is like a 75 dollar test anywhere else..  I told my insurance company all what he did, and I refused to have all that stuff done.. 

My doctor in Tampa said they.. these other doctors do this so they can run up the bill.. first time clients are a gold mine because they can bill for even looking at your records...

I know... its a rant..  but its what I do for a living and I see what they are doing and its wrong..

As for getting your blood drawn.. it depends on who is drawing it.. 

I have rolling shallow veins, plus I had to be on a 14 hour fast.. The lady was experinced and did exactly what I said to do... my good vein blew at the sixth vial..  My other vein blew on the 7th.. so my last four vials had to be taken from my hand.. and that hurts...  she used a butterfly..  I don't think its her fault.. I have always had small veins..  I think she should have angled it more and not pushed through the vein..

But I have had philbitus from nurses who can't start an IV in me.. I have had to have them use insulin syringes to draw the blood out of me.. but when you have 12 vials to fill...  yeah thats a lot of blood..

but hey.. I may get my athritis meds out of it and I can walk again!!!  which is all I want to do.. I just can't get over "me doctor"  which is an inside joke I had because of all the fights I have been in with doctors professionally when they were trying to kill their patients with their "me doctor I am G-d I am right"  I have save many people... hospital lawsuits and yes the very ahole doctors.. 

But the good doctors... they LOVE me.. its the ones that are incompentent that I go around with...  I am fighting them this time..  I am on medicine that works and I can afford it...  I don't think that is too much to ask...

I really need to find a decent ARNP, or PA.. Doctor.. IDC.. or I will be making a trip to Tampa twice a year.. It can't be more expensive than what I am paying now.. I have an indemity policy that I have to meet all these deductables and pay 20% on everything and no prescription plan...   

carry on... sorry for the rant.. I am just not enjoying my move back to the wonderful little town! 

IDK about the typos.. deal with it!

[Brian Beneteau]

OMG!  Don't even get me started on the MMH billing system.  Calling them inept is giving them a compliment! 

I understand the "begging" for an audit. 

There are other doctors in the area who have a difficult time billing patients correctly. One doctor who has been mentioned here billed me as a "new" patient even though I have been visiting his office for my entire life. Of course the know it all in the billing department says that is how every doctor bills, so it must be ok. Not quite every doctor as I have found out. Regardless, I have been disputing the bill for several months now with no resolution to the problem. I have asked to speak directly to the doctor, since he is the owner of the business that will be losing a lifelong patient, but no call back from him. All I have asked for is to be billed correctly and I will submit full payment, or to speak with the doctor and I will submit full payment, but since I have been refused on both accounts, my only recourse is to send in minimum payments until resolution, or until I get to the amount I feel is fair. I should mention that we are only talking about a minor difference in amount, but it is not the amount that is important, but rather the fact that this doctor is raping probably every one of his patient's out of money.

[Tiny]

As for getting your blood drawn.. it depends on who is drawing it.. 

Exactly! Some times the person drawing is good then another person comes along that is lousy.

My beef is that my wife had her annual physical and her doctor ordered a number of tests. She went to MMH lab and was charged almost $300 for her tests. I had my physical and blood tests, but I went to Quest. My tests cost less than half of what hers did. I compared tests and MMH charges a lot more for the same tests and we have to pay it. Will be going to Quest from now on, I don't care how much the needle hurts, it will be less pain than the bill from MMH.

[The Chicken]

There are other doctors in the area who have a difficult time billing patients correctly. One doctor who has been mentioned here billed me as a "new" patient even though I have been visiting his office for my entire life. Of course the know it all in the billing department says that is how every doctor bills, so it must be ok. Not quite every doctor as I have found out. Regardless, I have been disputing the bill for several months now with no resolution to the problem. I have asked to speak directly to the doctor, since he is the owner of the business that will be losing a lifelong patient, but no call back from him. All I have asked for is to be billed correctly and I will submit full payment, or to speak with the doctor and I will submit full payment, but since I have been refused on both accounts, my only recourse is to send in minimum payments until resolution, or until I get to the amount I feel is fair. I should mention that we are only talking about a minor difference in amount, but it is not the amount that is important, but rather the fact that this doctor is raping probably every one of his patient's out of money.

I think I know why you bill maybe higher..   I have a friend who goes to the same doctor so does her husband..  he is retired and has Medicare...  She is younger than him and lost her insurance when he retired.    She had been a life long patient there...  She had a respitory infection.. She called to make an appointment and pay cash..  They told her since she had not been there within a year, she had to be billed as a new patient and it was like a 180 bucks he wanted..

Needless to say she went to pet smart and bought fish amoxicillian and treated herself..  They were struggling..  her husband has serious medical problems and she goes to every appointment with him..  She was so pissed.. they are going to a different doctor..  now that I think about it.. it may have been six months.. It was absurd I know that!  The walk in Urgent care is less expensive, they start a self pay visit for something simple like writing a script for an infection and it a hundred bucks self pay..

I was fortunate, when United Health Care raised my rates to 1600 a month and I had to choose.. rood over head or health insurance..  I picked roof over my head.. but I am fortunate.. My doctors office in Tampa continued to see me for $45.00 and for almost four years I scratched and ordered meds from Canada and bugged everyone I knew for samples..  When I started having a kidney problem.. I knew a Nephrologist who is also a psychiatrist and he saw me for fifty bucks... you have to pay something or their malpractice won't cover.. 

But when I was finally able to find a plan (Obamacare) and had insurance again.. my doctors office charges $100 for a routine visit... So.. I was a very nice thing they saw me all that time and only charged me 45 dollars..

now in Tampa.. We have the Minute Clinics and Walgreens has a clinic  and for 45 bucks you can be seen.. that is for people who need an antibiotic or a school physical..

I am thinking what happened to me losing my insurance and all.. if I were in this town I would not have made it.. I would have lost my home or died... Which seems strange because you would think Monroe would be lower cost than Tampa.. 

Now Tiny has me worried about all the copays I will have from all that work I had today.. another odd thing.. most places know their charges and can figure out my co pay... they could not.. they said I would get a bill... joy joy!! 

Since it is on my mind..  I should start another thread.. but Saturday, November 5th.. from 8am till noon.. there is a free health care fair at St. Josephs in the east end..  It is being put on by some Indian Charity Group of Toledo and they will have Primary Care to Psychiatrists.. about every specialty there is..  lab draws..  basic health screening and specialist on hand to consult with and it is for people who are uninsured.. 

People who don't have insurance really need to take advantage of this Charitable Opportunity.. the more people that come, the more likely they will come back again..  So spread the word to get a check up.. if they do find something.. they are more likely to continue or help you get treated..

We have the Judao Christian society that has a free clinic for indigent..  and our county health department will give meds like tamiflu, antibiotics.. special expensive antibiotics that treats stuff llike Mearsa..  because of all the homeless and indigents..  Its better to give them the meds or they will be a public health risk...