Received Email From Privia Medical Group

Home•Fairfax General Forum•Arrest/Ticket Search•Wiki new•Pictures/Videos•Chat•Articles•Links•About Fairfax County General : Fairfax Underground Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting. Goto Topic: Previous•Next Go to: Forum List•Back to Forum•Post New Topic•Search•Log In•Print View Pages: 12AllNext Current Page: 1 of 2 Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 11, 2016 06:10PM Ok. My doctor's practice is now a member of the Privia Medical Group and I received an email today from them that reads.. "Please note for your next appointment at any Privia Medical Group Care Center, our policy is to collect a $150 deposit or credit card information to settle the remaining balance after insurance has paid their part. By doing this, we’ll be able to process payments and refunds more promptly. This policy saves you time and effort". Never heard of anything so ruthless in the insurance industry. Has anyone else received this email from Privia Medical Group? Is this new for this year? Any insurance guru's out here. Comments. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Doc () Date: January 11, 2016 06:27PM A lot of new doctors are going with Privia. Some even have annual fees to be a member of the practice. I would stay away from them. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 11, 2016 06:34PM Doc Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > A lot of new doctors are going with Privia. Some > even have annual fees to be a member of the > practice. I would stay away from them. ------------------------------------------------------- But then I have to give up my Doc of over 10 years. It's a large practice at Fair Oaks Hospital....any guesses? To me this is a FIRST in the Insurance Industry, collecting money up front. Most people will, but what if a patient doesn't have the $150 "up front money?" Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: TgYhg () Date: January 11, 2016 07:25PM I received the same email. They run into problems collecting from patients, which is why they are turning to grabbing the money. I have a secondary insurer that will only pay after the primary pays, and the doctor cannot file with the secondary. The claims are sent automatically from the primary, and it takes a while to process and pay. If I put down that I have secondary coverage, they try to file, and some providers have sent me bills for the denied amount, which eventually gets paid by the secondary. It looks like I am going to be in for some arguments with them about refunds. Just went through a huge battle with INOVA and almost went to small claims over it before they finally paid after seven+ months of arguing with them. Keep very careful records, demand to speak to supervisors, etc. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: TgYhg () Date: January 11, 2016 07:33PM It was an up front payment demanded by INOVA that I fought with them about. A supervisor at INOVA told me that we had the right to have the claims processed properly before paying. We will see about that. My secondary sent them a check, they cashed it and did not apply to our account, we had to do a trace on the check, and it took several more months for them to issue a refund. I was at a Privia doctor about a year ago and they demanded a $50 deposit up front in order to be seen, a patient started screaming that they weren't going to pay up front, and they basically had to leave the office. Many dentists require payment up front for major work due to collections problems. Otherwise you have your crown, they don't get their money. Happens all the time. I think this is the wave of the future, myself. Just keep very good records. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 11, 2016 07:33PM TgYhg Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I received the same email. They run into problems > collecting from patients, which is why they are > turning to grabbing the money. I have a secondary > insurer that will only pay after the primary pays, > and the doctor cannot file with the secondary. The > claims are sent automatically from the primary, > and it takes a while to process and pay. If I put > down that I have secondary coverage, they try to > file, and some providers have sent me bills for > the denied amount, which eventually gets paid by > the secondary. > > It looks like I am going to be in for some > arguments with them about refunds. Just went > through a huge battle with INOVA and almost went > to small claims over it before they finally paid > after seven+ months of arguing with them. > > Keep very careful records, demand to speak to > supervisors, etc. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for the detailed response. So if a married couple with this insurance, do you both have to put the $150 up front? Good question. This is the first I have ever heard of this in the insurance industry. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 11, 2016 07:48PM TgYhg Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > It was an up front payment demanded by INOVA that > I fought with them about. > A supervisor at INOVA told me that we had the > right to have the claims processed properly before > paying. We will see about that. My secondary sent > them a check, they cashed it and did not apply to > our account, we had to do a trace on the check, > and it took several more months for them to issue > a refund. > > I was at a Privia doctor about a year ago and they > demanded a $50 deposit up front in order to be > seen, a patient started screaming that they > weren't going to pay up front, and they basically > had to leave the office. > > Many dentists require payment up front for major > work due to collections problems. Otherwise you > have your crown, they don't get their money. > Happens all the time. > > I think this is the wave of the future, myself. > > Just keep very good records. ---------------------------------------------- So have you seen your doctor yet this year, and did you pay the up front money? I an understand that more with a crown as with labor they can be 1K. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: TgYhg () Date: January 11, 2016 07:49PM I would wager that each person in a family will have to put down plastic one way or another in order to be seen, and that would include children. Document every phone call, every name of who you talk to, what they say, ask for a timeframe for any refund due, stay on top of it. This isn't the insurance industry. This is the decision of the practice and whoever they are using to manage their billing. They are holding all the cards. Your defense will be careful records. Get organized. Now. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: fxrad () Date: January 11, 2016 07:59PM I had to have a CAT scan and when I walked in they wanted a $356 "co-payment". What it really was was a co-payment PLUS the portion of their bill that the insurance company won't pay. That way they don't have to bill, and in most cases pursue the people that won't pay. In the old days, they never knew exactly what the insurance was going to pay until after the fact. Now they are online with the insurance motherfuckers and know exactly what they're going to pay. So the best time to get the difference is UPFRONT. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 11, 2016 08:03PM TgYhg Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I would wager that each person in a family will > have to put down plastic one way or another in > order to be seen, and that would include > children. > > Document every phone call, every name of who you > talk to, what they say, ask for a timeframe for > any refund due, stay on top of it. > > This isn't the insurance industry. This is the > decision of the practice and whoever they are > using to manage their billing. > > They are holding all the cards. Your defense will > be careful records. Get organized. Now. ------------------------------------------------------ Thanks. Here is the tricky sentence: our policy is to collect a $150 deposit or credit card information to settle the remaining balance after insurance has paid their part. So when you give them your credit card info will they immediately charge your card the $150 from your account. Then after the insurance company pays them, and if they didn't need the full $150, will it then be a nightmare getting the credit of $150 back from Privia? Wonder if you have to plunk down the $150 on every visit?? This sounds like a royal billing nightmare even before the first visit. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 11, 2016 08:08PM fxrad Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I had to have a CAT scan and when I walked in they > wanted a $356 "co-payment". > > What it really was was a co-payment PLUS the > portion of their bill that the insurance company > won't pay. That way they don't have to bill, and > in most cases pursue the people that won't pay. > > In the old days, they never knew exactly what the > insurance was going to pay until after the fact. > Now they are online with the insurance > motherfuckers and know exactly what they're going > to pay. So the best time to get the difference is > UPFRONT.-- ------------------------------------------------------- This is sounding worse all the time. OMG. What if a patient went in for a heart bypass? They expect someone to pay 10k up front......yes, mothafuckers.......this MEDICAL Group is. I want to hear more stories for general visits. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Greybeard () Date: January 11, 2016 08:15PM Pay by credit card so you can do a chargeback if necessary. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: tGtdL () Date: January 11, 2016 08:20PM This is not possible. INOVA is a non-profit organization. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Libtardnation. () Date: January 11, 2016 08:29PM Libs getting what the deserve. I love it. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 11, 2016 08:29PM tGtdL Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > This is not possible. INOVA is a non-profit > organization. -------------------------------------------------- The way I understand it is - it's not the doctor's office it's the billing company they are using. Or is that one and the same. Anyway, starting tomorrow I'm looking for a new Dr. But, I just read about Innovation Health Aetna that a Dr. wants an "access fee" up front. Damn. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: I_got_one () Date: January 11, 2016 08:35PM I got that email, too. I won't be paying $150 up front and I won't be leaving a credit card with them. I will be going to a new doctor. Who knows the type of people they have working in the office! And they think I'm going to give them a credit card! Nope, nope, and nope. I've had enough issues getting medical offices to submit the correct codes so my insurance will pay. They are mad because they can't do all the sloppy billing they did in the past. I had another doctor try that "credit card on file" crap. Told that office, "No," too. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: TgYhg () Date: January 11, 2016 08:43PM You can look for a new doctor but they can change the terms on you whenever they want to. It IS the doctor's office because they choose which billing company to use and agree to abide by their policies. They won't charge the $150 if you leave a credit card for later use unless the visit co-pay costs that. I negotiated a refund with Privia fairly easily. INOVA was a pain in the ass and I would have loved to go to court on them. They lost everything they were sent, ignored what they were sent, put our money in some other account (that is called theft, is it not?). And yes, when you have a huge surgery you can count on them getting tough on up front payment terms. Doctors and hospitals don't like to work for free. They can't turn you away for emergency care, but if you are asking for a scheduled surgery, they are going to get tough on money before they are going to agree to operate. So will the surgeon. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: TgYhg () Date: January 11, 2016 08:49PM And yes, if they refuse to process the claim properly with the correct codes and just send you the bill, you are going to have a major fight on your hands. Laziness is not an excuse. I had that happen once, but it was a small bill. Go ahead and switch doctors, but they might end up doing the same thing. Collections is a huge problem because people think insurance pays for everything. They don't. And then the patient tries to walk away without paying. I had problems with labs just rolling over and not submitting properly, but they also just didn't bother to correct things or collect. Some of those lab fees just aren't worth the fight, they figure. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Remember () Date: January 11, 2016 08:51PM If you like being screwed, you can keep being screwed. - Barack Obama Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: ThYhg () Date: January 11, 2016 08:56PM I would say 99+% of providers make a supreme effort to get the coding right and justify the claim. If they don't, they will lose customers really fast. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: dmKVh () Date: January 11, 2016 08:57PM Doctors should not get paid if they can't help you. I hate insurance companies. They are like an evil monster. Replacing the care of a doctor for the care of the state. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 11, 2016 09:40PM Next question. Let's say you get a referral to see a podiatrist will they also bill you up front? The co-pay will be more, for me $40 and what then. Will the podiatrist want an additional deposit on top of that? Confusing it could be. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: K () Date: January 11, 2016 10:07PM Just got same email from privia! I have two long term doctors that belong to privia. I refuse to pay. Nor do I want them to have any control over my credit card. I've always paid on time and have a great credit score. I'm contacting my insurance provider(blue cross), to see if privia can do this. Privia will probably try to get $300 from me, as I have 2 privia doctors. I'm contacting media. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: G () Date: January 11, 2016 10:15PM Libtardnation. Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Libs getting what the deserve. I love it. Hope and Change you can believe in! Now where's that $2500 check Barry promised so I can pay my doctor deposits. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Greybeard () Date: January 11, 2016 10:18PM Doctors are in a weird position legally: they can get away with more than you'd think. For example, they can refuse service if you won't give them your SSN. Some of this comes from a disagreement as to whether they're extending "credit" by not billing you at the time of service. Federal rules say that folks extending credit can ask for SSN, to allow tracking you down, and that if they don't, the debt is less protected in terms of them being able to collect. Then there was a subsequent ruling that said that doctors did NOT have to get an SSN in order to be able to collect, but that didn't say they were forbidden from doing so. I've walked out of practices who wanted an SSN and were unconvincing about their ability to protect it. Not quite sure I understand why folks are so worried about them having your credit card number, though -- they already have your medical info, which is a lot more valuable than your Visa number. And a lot harder to fix. There's hassle either way if they get breached, but your legal liability for a credit card is $50 max, and in practice, unless you're behind on your payments, they waive that (they don't want you to stop using that card, now!). Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Greybeard () Date: January 11, 2016 10:19PM P.S. As others have noted, this has nothing to do with insurance. Insurance doesn't collect money from you (well, except for premiums) and couldn't care less whether you settle with the doc. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 11, 2016 10:36PM Someone here should write this into the WASHINGTON POST. Why not go National on this also about how Obama care promised his NO CHANGE rant with the ACA? I am dead serious..we should all take the time to write in articles, personal situations, to local newspapers, TV stations, etc. We could also have a local meet up at a Fairfax location if possible? Why not use this FFUG site as it really should be used for a "real issue" affecting many of use. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 11, 2016 10:46PM OP here. It's late and going to bed but think about what I said above. This is actually one of the more interesting discussions with some solid responses I have read on this site about your medical provider and how the billing will proceed in the future. Think about it if you really want to get involved with this and fight it, write about it, meet up with it.....Yes or No on how would could proceed. This is a cause worth pursuing. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Privia hater () Date: January 11, 2016 11:07PM InsuredMember Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Ok. My doctor's practice is now a member of the > Privia Medical Group and I received an email today > from them that reads.. > > "Please note for your next appointment at any > Privia Medical Group Care Center, our policy is to > collect a $150 deposit or credit card information > to settle the remaining balance after insurance > has paid their part. By doing this, we’ll be > able to process payments and refunds more > promptly. This policy saves you time and effort". > > Never heard of anything so ruthless in the > insurance industry. Has anyone else received this > email from Privia Medical Group? Is this new for > this year? > Any insurance guru's out here. > > Comments. Privia is a rapeist. they take 12.5% of the practice money, but if they get 30% or more on the office's previous year, they take 30%! They then charge for screwing up the medical practice. BUT your understanding of the letter is wrong. They are asking you to agree to pay up to $150 toward your deductible and allow them to do it without telling you. Privia's policy is to get the authorization, but you don't have to give it. They save your card number, they do not charge in advance. We do not even ask atones for it, cause it causes more trouble then it solves. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Gerrymanderer2 () Date: January 11, 2016 11:11PM The Republican for profit health care system is not sustainable. Time to join the rest of the civilized nations and implement a single payer system. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: disgruntled () Date: January 11, 2016 11:21PM Think of this you go in for a visit pay $150 the doctor says return in a week there goes another $150. So now they have your $300 and who knows how long it will take insurance to pay or if the doctor's office miscodes it will be forever to get your money. Also, how does this affect your deductible on your insurance? I agree Seven on your Side, Channel 4 also may be interested in investigating this. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: TgYhg () Date: January 12, 2016 07:02AM If you give them your credit card information, that is probably all they need to process the charge. And they will probably decide when the claim is complete, NOT you. After sleeping on it, I don't like that idea. That could be clarified at the office or over the phone. If they will not run the charge through until a mutually agreeable time, this is the better option for me. Agreed that multiple visits will add up if you have to leave $150 in escrow every time you go in. They have up to a year to process the claims, and many times have taken months to do so. So, they have the use of your money the whole time. Not a big incentive to get their acts together, since they have been paid. I can afford this indignity, but many cannot. Privia used to have a $50 deposit requirement. This $150 is new. I consider that steep. The insurance company will calculate out the claim no matter how much of a deposit you make. I have had some doctor visits where we had to pay up front and get whatever we could from insurance, and they sent ME the check. It generally did not cover the full cost of the visit. I would run into this with out of network providers. Sometimes that was necessary. This whole thing really creates a paperwork nightmare for your average American who cannot add/subtract/multiply or keep track of things. You can thank all the people that argued about the co-pays and things and didn't pay their portion for this. Now we are all paying for this. Quite frankly, I don't blame them. Agreed that the for-profit medical system is awful. The idea of insurance executives making a fortune and living in palaces because they can turn a serious profit off of sick people really is nasty. And I generally vote Republican. But, I work in the healthcare industry and have managed claims and care for four people for over 30 years. I am a hybrid on this issue. Get organized. NOW. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: causeican () Date: January 12, 2016 07:07AM TgYhg Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > If you give them your credit card information, > that is probably all they need to process the > charge. And they will probably decide when the > claim is complete, NOT you. After sleeping on it, > I don't like that idea. That could be clarified at > the office or over the phone. If they will not run > the charge through until a mutually agreeable > time, this is the better option for me. > > Agreed that multiple visits will add up if you > have to leave $150 in escrow every time you go in. > They have up to a year to process the claims, and > many times have taken months to do so. So, they > have the use of your money the whole time. Not a > big incentive to get their acts together, since > they have been paid. I can afford this indignity, > but many cannot. Privia used to have a $50 deposit > requirement. This $150 is new. I consider that > steep. > > The insurance company will calculate out the claim > no matter how much of a deposit you make. I have > had some doctor visits where we had to pay up > front and get whatever we could from insurance, > and they sent ME the check. It generally did not > cover the full cost of the visit. I would run into > this with out of network providers. Sometimes that > was necessary. > > This whole thing really creates a paperwork > nightmare for your average American who cannot > add/subtract/multiply or keep track of things. > > You can thank all the people that argued about the > co-pays and things and didn't pay their portion > for this. Now we are all paying for this. Quite > frankly, I don't blame them. > > Agreed that the for-profit medical system is > awful. The idea of insurance executives making a > fortune and living in palaces because they can > turn a serious profit off of sick people really is > nasty. And I generally vote Republican. But, I > work in the healthcare industry and have managed > claims and care for four people for over 30 years. > I am a hybrid on this issue. > > Get organized. NOW. You are a mother. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 12, 2016 07:16AM TgYhg Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > If you give them your credit card information, > that is probably all they need to process the > charge. And they will probably decide when the > claim is complete, NOT you. After sleeping on it, > I don't like that idea. That could be clarified at > the office or over the phone. If they will not run > the charge through until a mutually agreeable > time, this is the better option for me. > > Agreed that multiple visits will add up if you > have to leave $150 in escrow every time you go in. > They have up to a year to process the claims, and > many times have taken months to do so. So, they > have the use of your money the whole time. Not a > big incentive to get their acts together, since > they have been paid. I can afford this indignity, > but many cannot. Privia used to have a $50 deposit > requirement. This $150 is new. I consider that > steep. > > The insurance company will calculate out the claim > no matter how much of a deposit you make. I have > had some doctor visits where we had to pay up > front and get whatever we could from insurance, > and they sent ME the check. It generally did not > cover the full cost of the visit. I would run into > this with out of network providers. Sometimes that > was necessary. > > This whole thing really creates a paperwork > nightmare for your average American who cannot > add/subtract/multiply or keep track of things. > > You can thank all the people that argued about the > co-pays and things and didn't pay their portion > for this. Now we are all paying for this. Quite > frankly, I don't blame them. > > Agreed that the for-profit medical system is > awful. The idea of insurance executives making a > fortune and living in palaces because they can > turn a serious profit off of sick people really is > nasty. And I generally vote Republican. But, I > work in the healthcare industry and have managed > claims and care for four people for over 30 years. > I am a hybrid on this issue. > > Get organized. NOW. ---------------------------------------------------- You and many others have described this very well. It seems to be a real nightmare we face under Privia for the year of 2016. I wonder if this concept is also happening in other cities throughout the US? If possible, most people will cut back on number of visits to the DR now or wait until it's a dire illness and then go to the ER. I will call my DR today and try to get prescription refills I can pick up for the next 6 months. And then there are Lab tests that you almost all should have done at least once per year...yep, more ER visits and pay the $200 with no credit card exploiting. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: TgYhg () Date: January 12, 2016 07:35AM Yes, it is happening all over the country. You can blame the people who thought because they had insurance that care would cost them nothing additional and stiffed the providers. These people have bills to pay. They don't work for free and should not have to. Switching doctors will not necessarily fix things. Practices evolve all the time. You could end up in the exact same situation very shortly. Showing up at the ER in a desperate condition due to poorly managed long term health problems is not going to do you or your loved ones any good. Having the ER manage your outpatient care is an incredibly bad idea. The ER is not the place to have your cholesterol checked and managed, etc. You will need to talk this over with Privia and your doctor's office. I had two Privia visits in the last year (including just last week) and did not leave a deposit or a credit card. We pay a percentage rather than a flat co-pay, we talked it over, and they chose to process and then bill me. I don't know the reasoning behind this. Perhaps if they agree to deal with the problems Privia will allow this. But then, why have Privia. I think FFU is a great place to discuss issues, as long as you understand that you are going to get some nut jobs on here and learn to ignore them or at least take what they say with a grain of salt. It is usually pretty easy to screen out these people. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 12, 2016 07:58AM TgYhg Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Yes, it is happening all over the country. You can > blame the people who thought because they had > insurance that care would cost them nothing > additional and stiffed the providers. These people > have bills to pay. They don't work for free and > should not have to. Switching doctors will not > necessarily fix things. Practices evolve all the > time. You could end up in the exact same situation > very shortly. > > Showing up at the ER in a desperate condition due > to poorly managed long term health problems is not > going to do you or your loved ones any good. > Having the ER manage your outpatient care is an > incredibly bad idea. The ER is not the place to > have your cholesterol checked and managed, etc. > You will need to talk this over with Privia and > your doctor's office. I had two Privia visits in > the last year (including just last week) and did > not leave a deposit or a credit card. We pay a > percentage rather than a flat co-pay, we talked it > over, and they chose to process and then bill me. > I don't know the reasoning behind this. Perhaps if > they agree to deal with the problems Privia will > allow this. But then, why have Privia. > > I think FFU is a great place to discuss issues, as > long as you understand that you are going to get > some nut jobs on here and learn to ignore them or > at least take what they say with a grain of salt. > It is usually pretty easy to screen out these > people. -------------------------------------------------------------- Your last sentence is 100% correct and that is exactly why I brought the issue up here. Yes, to get opinions, feedback, stories of Privia. Usually if a good discussion starts the nut jobs will not have much interest. So you more or less negotiated. I will talk with my DR first about this situation with them using Privia and what course of action I can take. I am on a fixed income. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: TgYhg () Date: January 12, 2016 08:06AM I didn't really negotiate. I just told them how my insurance worked and asked the policy. Try to be polite about it. Screaming at a front desk clerk like that one lady did, in front of a whole room full of patients, is ugly. You always have the right to talk in private. Use it. Good luck. I still think $150 is pretty steep. There might be a way for the practices to work around the Privia policies. They own the practice, NOT Privia. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 12, 2016 08:17AM TgYhg: So you are saying speak directly with the practice not with Privia. Gotcha. May set up a meeting this week and drop by the practice and have questions ready. Maybe my DR of the past 10 years will have some clout (or pull) in the situation, as we've been patients for the past 10 years. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: TgYhg () Date: January 12, 2016 08:29AM InsuredMember Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > TgYhg: So you are saying speak directly with the > practice not with Privia. Gotcha. > May set up a meeting this week and drop by the > practice and have questions ready. > > Maybe my DR of the past 10 years will have some > clout (or pull) in the situation, as we've been > patients for the past 10 years. I think setting up a polite meeting is a mature, calm way to deal with this. It all boils down to the doctor and the front desk. They own the practice, not Privia. You might even be able to discuss this over the phone when you call to ask questions. But, call the office. You may or may not get the answer you want, but it is worth a try. I just don't think it is worth leaving a provider you have a long-standing relationship with until you talk it over. And it certainly not worth neglecting your health and turning to an ER to do crisis management on things that should be handled by somebody who you have a relationship with. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: whathappened () Date: January 12, 2016 08:46AM Gerrymanderer2 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > The Republican for profit health care system is > not sustainable. Time to join the rest of the > civilized nations and implement a single payer > system. I'm confused. You have been arguing for years that the ACA/Obamacare is the greatest thing since sliced bread and fixed everything. Now it needs to be changed again? By the same morons that screwed everything up? Nien danke. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Huh??? () Date: January 12, 2016 08:54AM If only there was another doctor in the DC area. Because that way, you could avoid such ridiculous business practices and go to a different doctor. But, since there's only one doctor...you're stuck. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: TgYhg () Date: January 12, 2016 09:02AM Huh??? Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > If only there was another doctor in the DC area. > Because that way, you could avoid such ridiculous > business practices and go to a different doctor. > But, since there's only one doctor...you're stuck. There are obviously multiple doctors in the area. But, when you have established a long-term relationship, you don't want to go shifting around if you can negotiate an agreement and understanding. Plus their practices change and evolve and you could end up in a similar or worse situation from a lot of different angles, both financial as well as professional. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 12, 2016 09:42AM Good idea. First I want to get my prescription refills locked in place before I talk with them. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Whatsa Matter () Date: January 12, 2016 09:55AM Only the beginning of your medical nightmare. Dems f'd it up again. Go Hillary! Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: YouSaidIt () Date: January 12, 2016 09:55AM How come our duly elected representatives are not subject to the same insurance /medical care we are? They should not be different than us - more privileged. Are their doctors not subjected to the same rules imposed on ours? Do they have private doctors with segregated facilities, paperwork? Do they use "our" hospitals? What does their healthcare plan look like? Is it a separate Act /document? Let's see it. Where is it. Did they have to vote on it? .hidden text.with regard to bottom-feeders: the less said the better.warning. By congress not subjecting themselves to the same medical system as the people, they draw a severe line of separation; raising themselves up and apart. Boy, would I like to see a real investigative report on that subject! If true, they should be brought down. Our congress should not be allowed to separate themselves from the people this way. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 12, 2016 09:58AM TgYhg Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > InsuredMember Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > TgYhg: So you are saying speak directly with > the > > practice not with Privia. Gotcha. > > May set up a meeting this week and drop by the > > practice and have questions ready. > > > > Maybe my DR of the past 10 years will have some > > clout (or pull) in the situation, as we've been > > patients for the past 10 years. > > I think setting up a polite meeting is a mature, > calm way to deal with this. It all boils down to > the doctor and the front desk. They own the > practice, not Privia. You might even be able to > discuss this over the phone when you call to ask > questions. But, call the office. You may or may > not get the answer you want, but it is worth a > try. I just don't think it is worth leaving a > provider you have a long-standing relationship > with until you talk it over. And it certainly not > worth neglecting your health and turning to an ER > to do crisis management on things that should be > handled by somebody who you have a relationship ---------------------------- > with. ------------------------------------------------------------ I called another practice this morning over in the Fair Oaks area and they told me they have an annual fee of $2100. I asked them again "how much". Yes, $2100. I gave them a Whoa and goodbye so fast.....They told me it was a 5 Star Gold plan. Are you kidding me!!! Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: TgYhg () Date: January 12, 2016 10:23AM Those are called concierge practices. Totally not necessary and not the norm. There are plenty of good practices that will give you a physical, meds, and lab results without extorting that kind of money out of you. And they can fit you in when you are sick, which is when you really need them. Some have turned to this as a way of keeping their practices smaller. Due to the low insurance payouts, the rising costs of running a business, and yes the problems of collecting from people who refuse to pay for what their insurance has told them is their responsibility, some doctors have resorted to this. By collecting a retainer up front, they can carry a smaller patient load and provide more personal care and pay their bills. It's a product that's available if you want it. Michael Jackson wanted it. He got it all right. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 12, 2016 11:46AM TgYhg Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Those are called concierge practices. Totally not > necessary and not the norm. > There are plenty of good practices that will give > you a physical, meds, and lab results without > extorting that kind of money out of you. And they > can fit you in when you are sick, which is when > you really need them. > Some have turned to this as a way of keeping their > practices smaller. Due to the low insurance > payouts, the rising costs of running a business, > and yes the problems of collecting from people who > refuse to pay for what their insurance has told > them is their responsibility, some doctors have > resorted to this. By collecting a retainer up > front, they can carry a smaller patient load and > provide more personal care and pay their bills. > It's a product that's available if you want it. > > Michael Jackson wanted it. He got it all right. Giving the doctors that huge upfront fee I can see as a vehicle to milk the system. They will have patients come back more often just to use up their access fee or whatever they want to call it and thus satisfy the insurance companies. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Just had a patinent loose it () Date: January 12, 2016 12:07PM InsuredMember Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > TgYhg: So you are saying speak directly with the > practice not with Privia. Gotcha. > May set up a meeting this week and drop by the > practice and have questions ready. > > Maybe my DR of the past 10 years will have some > clout (or pull) in the situation, as we've been > patients for the past 10 years. We just had a patient come in our office and LOOSE THERE MIND! Privia sent this notice, without notifying the practice! We explained to the patient we would not be charging this, yet the patient is threatening to turn our office over to the insurance commission! So now, I as the office have to deal with a problem, I think might actually be illegal, because Privia sent and email? And I also had a notification from Privia, that all my over weight patients were send an email telling them to loose weight. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 12, 2016 12:40PM Just had a patinent loose it Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > InsuredMember Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > TgYhg: So you are saying speak directly with > the > > practice not with Privia. Gotcha. > > May set up a meeting this week and drop by the > > practice and have questions ready. > > > > Maybe my DR of the past 10 years will have some > > clout (or pull) in the situation, as we've been > > patients for the past 10 years. > > > We just had a patient come in our office and LOOSE > THERE MIND! > > Privia sent this notice, without notifying the > practice! We explained to the patient we would > not be charging this, yet the patient is > threatening to turn our office over to the > insurance commission! > > So now, I as the office have to deal with a > problem, I think might actually be illegal, > because Privia sent and email? > > And I also had a notification from Privia, that > all my over weight patients were send an email > telling them to loose weight. --------------------------------------------------------------- I can actually see this happening at many doctor's offices (patients getting mad as hell) and taking it out on the front desk clerks. Good post...keep us up-to-date. First hand replies are valuable. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: mU4TL () Date: January 12, 2016 12:54PM If your appliance repair guy asked for your credit card before coming to your house, you would not think twice. A well run dr's office that doesn't have a bunch of deadbeat customers is a good thing. Cannot understand why so many are flipping out over this thing - every dr's office I've been to in recent years has a little plaque that says something like "Payment due when services are provided" or something like that. I need to look into one of these concierge practices - sounds like it would keep the riff raff out. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Bill.N. () Date: January 12, 2016 01:03PM mU4TL Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > every dr's office I've been > to in recent years has a little plaque that says > something like "Payment due when services are > provided" or something like that. We have had one of these for years. It is also included in the appointment reminders we send out. Asking for a deposit or requiring a credit card preauthorization is something else though. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: vEMpc () Date: January 12, 2016 01:08PM mU4TL Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > If your appliance repair guy asked for your credit > card before coming to your house, you would not > think twice. A well run dr's office that doesn't > have a bunch of deadbeat customers is a good > thing. Cannot understand why so many are flipping > out over this thing - every dr's office I've been > to in recent years has a little plaque that says > something like "Payment due when services are > provided" or something like that. > > I need to look into one of these concierge > practices - sounds like it would keep the riff > raff out. The difference is that when the repairman comes to your house, you know your dishwasher will be properly diagnosed and fixed in one visit (maybe 2, if they had to order a part) and you will not deal with them again for YEARS. The doctor, with some issues, you HAVE to see every month (if for nothing else to get a prescription refill). Plus doctors are getting so bad, one needs to go for a 2nd or even 3rd opinion- which creates more bills. I'm pretty sure sears will want to fix my dishwasher right on the first try- doctors can fuck you up or diagnose wrong and make the problem worse- then have to bill you AGAIN for their fuckup (or not catching a disease early enough to start treatment etc etc). Not ALL doctors- just the shitty ones! Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: ArnieH () Date: January 12, 2016 02:05PM Bill.N. Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > mU4TL Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > every dr's office I've been > > to in recent years has a little plaque that > says > > something like "Payment due when services are > > provided" or something like that. > > We have had one of these for years. It is also > included in the appointment reminders we send out. > Asking for a deposit or requiring a credit card > preauthorization is something else though. ONLY GOOK DOCTORS WOULD DO THAT. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: quackDr () Date: January 12, 2016 02:07PM Bill.N. Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > mU4TL Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > every dr's office I've been > > to in recent years has a little plaque that > says > > something like "Payment due when services are > > provided" or something like that. > > We have had one of these for years. It is also > included in the appointment reminders we send out. > Asking for a deposit or requiring a credit card > preauthorization is something else though. THEN you must have a gook dr. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Not really () Date: January 12, 2016 02:08PM mU4TL Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > If your appliance repair guy asked for your credit > card before coming to your house, you would not > think twice. A well run dr's office that doesn't > have a bunch of deadbeat customers is a good > thing. Cannot understand why so many are flipping > out over this thing - every dr's office I've been > to in recent years has a little plaque that says > something like "Payment due when services are > provided" or something like that. > > I need to look into one of these concierge > practices - sounds like it would keep the riff > raff out. I would think twice about giving a repair man my credit card BEFORE they came to my home. But the issue is not paying for what is due at the time of service, the issue is asking for $150 in advance for every visit. Privia is #1 asking care centers to incentivize their employees to comply with there request. Which is unethical, if not illegal. They are also implementing this because "19% of collections are from unpaid deductibles." If this was a co-pay they were collecting, OK, but most co-pays are MUCH LESS THAN $150! My insurance covers 100% after my $20 co-pay, and my physical, Pap, or other routine services have no co-pay and are paid 100%. Privia is implementing a $150 flat fee they want at the time of service to be seen. My annual physical is FREE. Insurance pays 100%. They pay the doctor like $96. Privia is insisting on charging me $150 to see my doctor, getting paid less than $150 for the visit by my insurance company, and then asking me the next time I walk in the door for my pap another $150. So even though I NEVER OWED THEM A DIME, they want me to pay $300, that they should never have charged me, just to see my doctor. They then sent me another letter saying I should loose weight, and my PCP suggested Health Coaching. It is also covered at 100% with no copay, and is 14 visits. They expect me to pay $2,100? When they are getting paid only $364 and I have no co-pay for the service? At what point are they willingly planing to refund my money? Now yes, some people with Obama plans have crazy deductibles. But again their insurance is usually only paying a PCP about $120 or less per visit. So Privia is asking for more than they are expecting to be paid as a deposit. AND if my deductible is only say $500. I see other doctors, I may have already paid towards my deductible at their office. It all depends on who's claim reaches my insurance who I need to pay and who I get covered at 100%. Why is the doctor telling me PRIOR to filing the claim what he is owed? If he accepts the insurance, he agreed to be paid what they cover. So he has to wait for the insurance to adjudicate the claim and determine coverage. AND if it happens to be a specialist, and the person has an HMO, there are many cases where it is illegal to charge the patient if the insurance does not cover a service. The issue is not asking for payment of rendered services, it is asking for advance payment for a payment they may or may not be owed. Send people to collections if they do not pay, I have no problem with that. But charging a fee to everyone who walks in the door, with no regard for their insurance policy is a huge issue to me. The case of PT is different, the co-pay might be $200 for your PT, but it gets charged at one time, for the treatment plan. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 12, 2016 02:36PM Not Really: I must say you have terrific insurance and for the doctor's office via Privia to charge the additional $150 per visit is outrageous. I wonder if we are going to the same practice, probably because that email just went out a day or two ago. Thanks for that informative post. I still say we need to get the media involved. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 12, 2016 02:53PM I've been informed that I must discuss this directly with Privia not the Doctor's office where I receive medical services. Has anyone else called them recently about the up front deposit? Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: FHnuD () Date: January 12, 2016 03:07PM Not really Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > > My annual physical is FREE. Insurance pays 100%. This is why health care costs are where they are. There's nothing free about that service. You (or someone) paid for the insurance to pay for the exam. Pile up enough of those "FREE" items you expect and that's why HC costs are out of control. That's why the only real way to deal with people who expect that their healthcare be free is to ration it. Could be the 12 week wait for a specialist, or the $250 co-pay on a patent drug, or forcing you to pre-pay, these are all methods of rationing care in a world where free is expected. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Not Really () Date: January 12, 2016 03:19PM InsuredMember Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Not Really: I must say you have terrific insurance > and for the doctor's office via Privia to charge > the additional $150 per visit is outrageous. I > wonder if we are going to the same practice, > probably because that email just went out a day or > two ago. > > Thanks for that informative post. I still say we > need to get the media involved. ALL plans that were not grandfathered in offer Free preventative care. ALL OF THEM. It was a law passed in the health reform act. https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-adults/ I pay a premium to my insurance provider. They follow the law. That is this country's system. I prefer the Germany System, but I don't live there. There are laws, and I feel that Priva is taking advantage of people who do not know any better than to protect there rights. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 12, 2016 04:10PM Not really Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > mU4TL Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > If your appliance repair guy asked for your > credit > > card before coming to your house, you would not > > think twice. A well run dr's office that > doesn't > > have a bunch of deadbeat customers is a good > > thing. Cannot understand why so many are > flipping > > out over this thing - every dr's office I've > been > > to in recent years has a little plaque that > says > > something like "Payment due when services are > > provided" or something like that. > > > > I need to look into one of these concierge > > practices - sounds like it would keep the riff > > raff out. > > > I would think twice about giving a repair man my > credit card BEFORE they came to my home. > > But the issue is not paying for what is due at the > time of service, the issue is asking for $150 in > advance for every visit. > > Privia is #1 asking care centers to incentivize > their employees to comply with there request. > Which is unethical, if not illegal. > > They are also implementing this because "19% of > collections are from unpaid deductibles." > > If this was a co-pay they were collecting, OK, but > most co-pays are MUCH LESS THAN $150! My > insurance covers 100% after my $20 co-pay, and my > physical, Pap, or other routine services have no > co-pay and are paid 100%. Privia is implementing > a $150 flat fee they want at the time of service > to be seen. > > My annual physical is FREE. Insurance pays 100%. > They pay the doctor like $96. Privia is insisting > on charging me $150 to see my doctor, getting paid > less than $150 for the visit by my insurance > company, and then asking me the next time I walk > in the door for my pap another $150. > > So even though I NEVER OWED THEM A DIME, they want > me to pay $300, that they should never have > charged me, just to see my doctor. > > They then sent me another letter saying I should > loose weight, and my PCP suggested Health > Coaching. It is also covered at 100% with no > copay, and is 14 visits. They expect me to pay > $2,100? When they are getting paid only $364 and > I have no co-pay for the service? At what point > are they willingly planing to refund my money? > > Now yes, some people with Obama plans have crazy > deductibles. But again their insurance is usually > only paying a PCP about $120 or less per visit. > So Privia is asking for more than they are > expecting to be paid as a deposit. > > AND if my deductible is only say $500. I see > other doctors, I may have already paid towards my > deductible at their office. It all depends on > who's claim reaches my insurance who I need to pay > and who I get covered at 100%. > > Why is the doctor telling me PRIOR to filing the > claim what he is owed? If he accepts the > insurance, he agreed to be paid what they cover. > So he has to wait for the insurance to adjudicate > the claim and determine coverage. > > AND if it happens to be a specialist, and the > person has an HMO, there are many cases where it > is illegal to charge the patient if the insurance > does not cover a service. > > The issue is not asking for payment of rendered > services, it is asking for advance payment for a > payment they may or may not be owed. Send people > to collections if they do not pay, I have no > problem with that. But charging a fee to everyone > who walks in the door, with no regard for their > insurance policy is a huge issue to me. > > The case of PT is different, the co-pay might be > $200 for your PT, but it gets charged at one time, > for the treatment plan. ----------------------------------------------------------- I've already received two different stories on the $150 deposit fiasco. One from the medical provider and one from Privia. Basically, the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Je9yX () Date: January 12, 2016 04:30PM Not Really Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > InsuredMember Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- >. > > > ALL plans that were not grandfathered in offer > Free preventative care. > > ALL OF THEM. It was a law passed in the health > reform act. > Hey, my plan has got all that free shit too. Of course, my payroll deduction has quadrupled since 2010 when the law passed for the same plan with the same family members, but I get a lot more free stuff. Thanks Obama. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: kjcUX () Date: January 12, 2016 04:53PM My former doctor moved to concierge medicine. I had to somewhere between $1000-$2000 to "join". I don't go there anymore since I suspect the care level would have been exactly the same. Three months for an appointment or go to the emergency room. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: January 12, 2016 04:56PM If the $150 is not needed, they are going to have to refund it back. But, that is easier said than done. You could have money down on another $150 for another visit while you are still working out the first one. Keep very careful records. If everybody makes about 15 phone calls each to get their refund and doesn't let up on them, they will see the light. There is always Small Claims Court. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: January 12, 2016 04:56PM kjcUX Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > My former doctor moved to concierge medicine. I > had to somewhere between $1000-$2000 to "join". I > don't go there anymore since I suspect the care > level would have been exactly the same. Three > months for an appointment or go to the emergency > room. You probably would have gotten in sooner but I get same day appointments at our practice with the bit concierge fee. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: January 12, 2016 05:05PM T. Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > kjcUX Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > My former doctor moved to concierge medicine. > I > > had to somewhere between $1000-$2000 to "join". > I > > don't go there anymore since I suspect the care > > level would have been exactly the same. Three > > months for an appointment or go to the > emergency > > room. > > > You probably would have gotten in sooner but I get > same day appointments at our > practice with the bit concierge fee. Typo. WithOUT the concierge fee. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 12, 2016 07:47PM If I have to pay it will be by cash or check - never EVER by Credit Card number. They will never get there hands on that. That is control and not giving that up. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: January 12, 2016 08:27PM InsuredMember Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > If I have to pay it will be by cash or check - > never EVER by Credit Card number. > They will never get there hands on that. That is > control and not giving that up. Good luck. Keep us posted. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Greybeard () Date: January 12, 2016 09:06PM InsuredMember Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > If I have to pay it will be by cash or check - > never EVER by Credit Card number. > They will never get there hands on that. That is > control and not giving that up. You're giving up a lot more by paying by cash or check. Learn how chargebacks work. Credit card is MUCH safer and lower-risk. For the people who are blaming this on ACA: Wrong; this (Privia specifically, in fact) started years ago. They tried to get us to sign up for the concierge version; I ignored it, and have seen no change in services. YMMV. Re 100%-covered physicals: You're not sick, so you have nothing to lose by going to the office for the appointment and then saying (politely) "I don't think so" when if they want the $150. They can call and verify benefits. Worst case, you walk out and THEY lose. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: It's unfortunate () Date: January 12, 2016 09:07PM Indeed. But you voted for Obamacare so pay your goddamn bill. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: First Aid Kit () Date: January 12, 2016 09:37PM President’s weekly address, June 6, 2009: "If you like the plan you have, you can keep it. If you like the doctor you have, you can keep your doctor, too. The only change you’ll see are falling costs as our reforms take hold." Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 13, 2016 06:46AM You know in any company when they speak of "change" it will never benefit the employees. It's always about taking away some perk or benefit. They are very sly about it, like a tax accountant or CPA, and try to hide it under the "other column". Today I just want to speak to someone at Privia with a brain. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: January 13, 2016 07:02AM InsuredMember Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > You know in any company when they speak of > "change" it will never benefit the employees. It's > always about taking away some perk or benefit. > They are very sly about it, like a tax accountant > or CPA, and try to hide it under the "other > column". > > Today I just want to speak to someone at Privia > with a brain. That will be a challenge. Keep us posted. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Not Really () Date: January 13, 2016 09:13AM T. Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > If the $150 is not needed, they are going to have > to refund it back. But, that is easier said than > done. You could have money down on another $150 > for another visit while you are still working out > the first one. > > Keep very careful records. > > If everybody makes about 15 phone calls each to > get their refund and doesn't let up on them, they > will see the light. > > There is always Small Claims Court. Privia does not care if you take the doctor to small claims court. Also, the policy is 100% Privia's idea and they are pressuring the doctors to comply. But again, no one forces the doctors to do it, so Privia is blaming doctor when people complain, and then yelling at the offices for not doing it. There are two types of Privia practices, concierge is completely different. I am just referring to the doctors whom are taking insurance, and listening to these crazy people. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 13, 2016 09:21AM Not Really Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > T. Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > If the $150 is not needed, they are going to > have > > to refund it back. But, that is easier said > than > > done. You could have money down on another $150 > > for another visit while you are still working > out > > the first one. > > > > Keep very careful records. > > > > If everybody makes about 15 phone calls each to > > get their refund and doesn't let up on them, > they > > will see the light. > > > > There is always Small Claims Court. > > > Privia does not care if you take the doctor to > small claims court. > > Also, the policy is 100% Privia's idea and they > are pressuring the doctors to comply. > > But again, no one forces the doctors to do it, so > Privia is blaming doctor when people complain, and > then yelling at the offices for not doing it. > > There are two types of Privia practices, concierge > is completely different. I am just referring to > the doctors whom are taking insurance, and > listening to these crazy people. -------------------------------------------------------------------- The employees at both the doctor's office and at Privia who are first line help desk types have not yet been trained on how to answer questions from patients calling in, as I already have received vague responses just yesterday. After talking with insurance experts at "one said company", they are not even aware of these new policies by Privia. This is starting to sound more like a very shady implementation in its beginnings. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. (TgYhg) () Date: January 13, 2016 01:19PM +++But again, no one forces the doctors to do it, so Privia is blaming doctor when people complain, and then yelling at the offices for not doing it.+++ So you are saying the doctors are not necessarily doing this? That is what I found. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Ptxvk () Date: January 13, 2016 03:16PM InsuredMember Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > You know in any company when they speak of > "change" it will never benefit the employees. You mean like Hope & Change? Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 13, 2016 04:10PM T. (TgYhg) Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > +++But again, no one forces the doctors to do it, > so Privia is blaming doctor when people complain, > and then yelling at the offices for not doing > it.+++ > > So you are saying the doctors are not necessarily > doing this? That is what I found. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Of course the doctors are doing indirectly, they contracted Privia to take over there billing. That is why large HMO's have reached out to them. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: farcebooker () Date: January 13, 2016 08:07PM https://www.facebook.com/priviamedicalgroup nothing on the facebook page about the new "policy". Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: January 13, 2016 08:32PM farcebooker Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > https://www.facebook.com/priviamedicalgroup > > nothing on the facebook page about the new > "policy". They are going to wait until you show up and when they literally have you by the gonads they are going to lay this on you and demand your credit card. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 13, 2016 09:24PM That's when you walkout and stiff them on the appointment. You just tell them you never got an email with this new policy. Or, you have no cash or credit card with you. It's a choice to make and a choice for them at that moment. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: January 14, 2016 06:21AM InsuredMember Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > That's when you walkout and stiff them on the > appointment. You just tell them you never got an > email with this new policy. > Or, you have no cash or credit card with you. It's > a choice to make and a choice for them at that > moment. When I was at the Privia doctor they asked for the money before they would see you, so this would not work. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Donald Dump () Date: January 14, 2016 06:50AM Thanks republicans. Attachments: Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: January 14, 2016 07:29AM Donald Dump Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Thanks republicans. But these guys are paid to keep up healthy!!!!!!!!!!! If they aren't paid this we will all not be taken care of. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 14, 2016 10:14AM T. Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > InsuredMember Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > That's when you walkout and stiff them on the > > appointment. You just tell them you never got > an > > email with this new policy. > > Or, you have no cash or credit card with you. > It's > > a choice to make and a choice for them at that > > moment. > > > When I was at the Privia doctor they asked for the > money before they would see you, so this would not > work. -------------------------------------------------- How exactly did the conversation go with you when you checked in at your doctor's front desk? Any details... Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: January 14, 2016 10:26AM Two years ago I was asked to leave a $50 deposit up front when checking in. They were brand new with Privia. I did. I listened to the lady screaming at the front desk clerk, thought she was really out of line. I had no problem getting my refund once the claim processed. Went right back on my credit card within a couple of days with one phone call. Last year, same doctor, still Privia, no deposit was required. I don't think I had to leave a payment on the way out, either. I just asked them if it was all right to process the claim and bill me, since we pay a percentage. Fine, no problem. Paid them as soon as I got my bill. Done. This year, last week , new Privia Doctor, I asked on the way out only about the money. Very polite conversation. Told them we pay a percentage. They also preferred to Bill me. They had a very old sign at the front desk saying they had a $10 service charge for doing that but I have never seen one on my numerous bills. As long as you keep careful records, you should be fine. If you have problems like I did with INOVA, move to a supervisor very quickly. You have to understand the difficulties in collecting from people. Many will argue with the staff, refuse to pay, they have to go to collections and collect pennies on the dollar. I really don't blame them. I probably would, too. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 14, 2016 10:47AM T. Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Two years ago I was asked to leave a $50 deposit > up front when checking in. They were brand new > with Privia. I did. I listened to the lady > screaming at the front desk clerk, thought she was > really out of line. > > I had no problem getting my refund once the claim > processed. Went right back on my credit card > within a couple of days with one phone call. > > Last year, same doctor, still Privia, no deposit > was required. I don't think I had to leave a > payment on the way out, either. I just asked them > if it was all right to process the claim and bill > me, since we pay a percentage. Fine, no problem. > Paid them as soon as I got my bill. Done. > > This year, last week , new Privia Doctor, I asked > on the way out only about the money. Very polite > conversation. Told them we pay a percentage. They > also preferred to Bill me. They had a very old > sign at the front desk saying they had a $10 > service charge for doing that but I have never > seen one on my numerous bills. > > As long as you keep careful records, you should be > fine. If you have problems like I did with INOVA, > move to a supervisor very quickly. > > You have to understand the difficulties in > collecting from people. Many will argue with the > staff, refuse to pay, they have to go to > collections and collect pennies on the dollar. I > really don't blame them. I probably would, too. Excellent. Thank you! Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Privia Knows () Date: January 14, 2016 01:55PM Privia knows, they are just unethical people. This is the letter and sign they asked us to put up in our office! They also sent me an email, that talked about how they expect a certain amount per visit, and it was lower than the $150 they are asking! Attachments: Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: January 14, 2016 02:43PM I have said many times I don't blame them, people who refused to pay their bills created this problem, and you will need to monitor your account very closely, keep very careful records, and drive them absolutely bonkers calling them to initiate your refunds, of which there will be many. They will then have to figure out whether they like spending a large part of their days issuing refunds or not. That takes time, also. This isn't about "improving the patient care experience". This is about Collections. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Greybeard () Date: January 15, 2016 06:58PM T. Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > InsuredMember Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > That's when you walkout and stiff them on the > > appointment. You just tell them you never got > an > > email with this new policy. > > Or, you have no cash or credit card with you. > It's > > a choice to make and a choice for them at that > > moment. > > > When I was at the Privia doctor they asked for the > money before they would see you, so this would not > work. You're missing the point: if they don't see you, they get $0. So there's incentive for them to make it work. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: January 15, 2016 07:15PM Greybeard Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > T. Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > InsuredMember Wrote: > > > -------------------------------------------------- > > > ----- > > > That's when you walkout and stiff them on the > > > appointment. You just tell them you never got > > an > > > email with this new policy. > > > Or, you have no cash or credit card with you. > > It's > > > a choice to make and a choice for them at > that > > > moment. > > > > > > When I was at the Privia doctor they asked for > the > > money before they would see you, so this would > not > > work. > > You're missing the point: if they don't see you, > they get $0. So there's incentive for them to make > it work. But they literally will not see you if you have not paid the money up front or given a credit card. At least that is what happened at the practice I was dealing with. YOU are missing the point. You will NOT BE SEEN. You will not be brought back from the waiting room. They didn't want to play the incentive game. No plastic or checkbook, no office visit. It was made very clear. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Fukcem () Date: January 15, 2016 08:29PM This is all do to Obamacare and those who don't pay their share (co-pays) of medical costs. Because of you, we all get the same treatment. If the majority of you had paid your minimal co-pay of $20.00 then we wouldn't be suffering. Also, if you would stop going to the doctor for a runny nose or painful knees due to being grossly overweight, the costs would come down. Thanks Obamacare and thanks to you morons for not paying in a timely fashion. I don't blame Previa one bit. Medical care is not free! Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Greybeard () Date: January 15, 2016 08:47PM T. Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > But they literally will not see you if you have > not paid the money up front or given a credit > card. At least that is what happened at the > practice I was dealing with. YOU are missing the > point. You will NOT BE SEEN. You will not be > brought back from the waiting room. They didn't > want to play the incentive game. No plastic or > checkbook, no office visit. It was made very > clear. Right. I'm not missing that point at all; I've said it several times. A doctor's appointment is like an airline ticket, or a theater ticket: it has a value, which vanishes after the time passes. The goal of the business is to "sell" all those slots. If people make appointments and then the practice opts not to see them, the slot is lost, and the practice loses the money. Now, if you're sick and really need to see the doc, or need your physical for the job you're starting next week, etc., you've got more of an incentive to see the doc than they do to sell the slot. If, OTOH, it's an annual physical, then you perhaps don't much care whether you get it done today at this practice or in a month at another practice. So you have the power. Part of any negotiation is keeping it cheerful, so both parties can save face and at least pretend that they enjoy getting reamed. That's the part that most people find hardest to do. So when they say "no pay, no see-em", you smile and say "fine, I'll go somewhere else, sorry". If they say "See ya", then they don't understand the business they're in, and they lose. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Greybeard () Date: January 15, 2016 08:50PM Fukcem Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > This is all do to Obamacare and those who don't > pay their share (co-pays) of medical costs. > Because of you, we all get the same treatment. If > the majority of you had paid your minimal co-pay > of $20.00 then we wouldn't be suffering. Also, if > you would stop going to the doctor for a runny > nose or painful knees due to being grossly > overweight, the costs would come down. Thanks > Obamacare and thanks to you morons for not paying > in a timely fashion. I don't blame Previa one bit. > Medical care is not free! This has nothing to do with Obamacare; it's been growing for the last few decades. What it has to do with is rapacious insurance companies and a growing lack of understanding of how insurance works. The rest of your post is right on. Just curious: how could you connect this to ACA, anyway? Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: Perhaps... () Date: January 15, 2016 10:20PM T. Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Greybeard Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > T. Wrote: > > > -------------------------------------------------- > > > ----- > > > InsuredMember Wrote: > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------- > > > > > > ----- > > > > That's when you walkout and stiff them on > the > > > > appointment. You just tell them you never > got > > > an > > > > email with this new policy. > > > > Or, you have no cash or credit card with > you. > > > It's > > > > a choice to make and a choice for them at > > that > > > > moment. > > > > > > > > > When I was at the Privia doctor they asked > for > > the > > > money before they would see you, so this > would > > not > > > work. > > > > You're missing the point: if they don't see > you, > > they get $0. So there's incentive for them to > make > > it work. > > But they literally will not see you if you have > not paid the money up front or given a credit > card. At least that is what happened at the > practice I was dealing with. YOU are missing the > point. You will NOT BE SEEN. You will not be > brought back from the waiting room. They didn't > want to play the incentive game. No plastic or > checkbook, no office visit. It was made very > clear. Perhaps they are making the rather reasonable assumption that someone that won't pay a fairly simple and reasonable deposit is likely to be a deadbeat long term. So losing the value of the one office visit to get rid of a deadbeat customer actually works out well for them. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: January 16, 2016 10:03AM Perhaps... Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > T. Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > Greybeard Wrote: > > > -------------------------------------------------- > > > ----- > > > T. Wrote: > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------- > > > > > > ----- > > > > InsuredMember Wrote: > > > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------- > > > > > > > > > > ----- > > > > > That's when you walkout and stiff them on > > the > > > > > appointment. You just tell them you never > > got > > > > an > > > > > email with this new policy. > > > > > Or, you have no cash or credit card with > > you. > > > > It's > > > > > a choice to make and a choice for them at > > > that > > > > > moment. > > > > > > > > > > > > When I was at the Privia doctor they asked > > for > > > the > > > > money before they would see you, so this > > would > > > not > > > > work. > > > > > > You're missing the point: if they don't see > > you, > > > they get $0. So there's incentive for them to > > make > > > it work. > > > > But they literally will not see you if you have > > not paid the money up front or given a credit > > card. At least that is what happened at the > > practice I was dealing with. YOU are missing > the > > point. You will NOT BE SEEN. You will not be > > brought back from the waiting room. They didn't > > want to play the incentive game. No plastic or > > checkbook, no office visit. It was made very > > clear. > > Perhaps they are making the rather reasonable > assumption that someone that won't pay a fairly > simple and reasonable deposit is likely to be a > deadbeat long term. So losing the value of the > one office visit to get rid of a deadbeat customer > actually works out well for them. And that is probably a pretty smart assumption. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: InsuredMember () Date: January 19, 2016 08:18PM Do you believe the doctor has any direct input or negotiating power on these Privia charges? Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: January 19, 2016 08:33PM InsuredMember Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Do you believe the doctor has any direct input or > negotiating power on these Privia charges? I will ask at my next appointment in two weeks. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: February 02, 2016 04:50PM T. Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > InsuredMember Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > Do you believe the doctor has any direct input > or > > negotiating power on these Privia charges? > > > I will ask at my next appointment in two weeks. Showed up, my claim from the appt. a month ago had processed and my percentage was calculated out. I knew what I owed when I showed up, so did they, I paid that. The actual bill was waiting in my mailbox when I got home. When I checked out they said they were basically ignoring the $150 deposit or leave a credit card plan because of the refund issues, the idea of patients tying up a significant amount of money for an extended period of time, we said adios, and that was that. Options: Reply•Quote Re: Received email from Privia Medical Group Posted by: T. () Date: February 02, 2016 05:48PM Greybeard Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > T. Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > But they literally will not see you if you have > > not paid the money up front or given a credit > > card. At least that is what happened at the > > practice I was dealing with. YOU are missing > the > > point. You will NOT BE SEEN. You will not be > > brought back from the waiting room. They didn't > > want to play the incentive game. No plastic or > > checkbook, no office visit. It was made very > > clear. > > Right. I'm not missing that point at all; I've > said it several times. A doctor's appointment is > like an airline ticket, or a theater ticket: it > has a value, which vanishes after the time > passes. > > The goal of the business is to "sell" all those > slots. If people make appointments and then the > practice opts not to see them, the slot is lost, > and the practice loses the money. > > Now, if you're sick and really need to see the > doc, or need your physical for the job you're > starting next week, etc., you've got more of an > incentive to see the doc than they do to sell the > slot. > > If, OTOH, it's an annual physical, then you > perhaps don't much care whether you get it done > today at this practice or in a month at another > practice. So you have the power. > > Part of any negotiation is keeping it cheerful, so > both parties can save face and at least pretend > that they enjoy getting reamed. That's the part > that most people find hardest to do. > > So when they say "no pay, no see-em", you smile > and say "fine, I'll go somewhere else, sorry". If > they say "See ya", then they don't understand the > business they're in, and they lose. There are those of us who are held hostage because we are on life-sustaining medication and really can't run out while we go trying to change doctors. Some of us already have a good long-standing relationship with a provider and don't want to lose that. You are always going to have changes in business practices over the years. If you left every time that happened, you would be changing doctors all the time. That is a pain. The point to be made here is that it isn't just about the money. If you have a good, solid provider who knows you and that you can work closely with, you don't go jumping ship for a pretty basic change in business practices. Now, the concierge fee is beyond a basic change. I would probably leave for that. Options: Reply•Quote Pages: 12AllNext Current Page: 1 of 2 Your IP address, domain or ISP has been blocked. Please contact [email protected] for assistance and provide the following IP address: 103.110.85.167 Go to: Forum List•Back to Forum•Search•Log In

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