Potomac Psychological Center LLC

So yes, I have to see a therapist like so many others. For me it's weight issues that I'm trying to solve, I'm sure everyone has a different story.

Now my story is about the place in the subject line. I called them about two months ago because they are conveniently located, I figured that would make this chore easier on me.

So I have my first appointment set up. I come in and am told that my appointment was cancelled because my insurance company did not cover their office. They assumed (wrongly) that I would not have gone there if I had known that. Well, they were wrong on multiple counts, my insurance company did cover them ... I am not stupid, I do research. And I can afford to pay for a doctor myself if I have to. So I left work early, wasted my time, was not seen.

Hey, I give them benefit of the doubt. I make a new appointment and go in. I get to do a whole lot of tests that run my insurance company about 1500 dollars. They give me a bunch of good news and proceed to set up appointments to help me with my emotional issues.

So the next two weeks work keeps me from making my appointments. I call and tell them, their policy is that it costs 100 dollars if you can't make it and don't call 24 hours in advance. I knew that, I have no problem with that. They cancel the next appointment, again without informing me. When I come in I am livid. I go home, the therapist calls me, straightens it out with me. Okay.

First bill comes in, has 100 dollars on it, we pay it electronuically, the same way we pay all our bills.

I go to the next appointment, they ask me for the money second 100 dollars. I tell them the bill was paid or will be paid electronically. I make a copay for three weeks in advance because they don't have change.

Second bill came in a few weeks ago. Had the second 100 dollars on it. When I show up for my next appointment, they ask about the balance again. I tell them that it will be or has been paid electronically. They say they have to get my copay then, because I have an outstanding balance and thats what they applied my advance copay to. I give them another 20 bucks, again almost three weeks in advance ...because they don't have change.

Last night I come in for my appointment. I did not carry my purse. The receptionist tells me that I have an outstanding balance and that unless I paid 50% if it I could not be seen, the whole bill was 80 dollars by that time. I call my husband, he says the bill has been paid and was processed by the bank. I tell the lady that, she basically treats me like I'm lying and embarrasses me and humiliates me in front of a whole bunch of people. The whole thing wasted another half hour, and she tells me I can't be seen.

So this is the final straw. I don't know who these people think they are dealing with, but I for one don't wish to be treated this way. I'm not going back there, but just in case someone else is looking for a place to get some help with whatever emotional issue may be upon you ... drive a bit to find a place that treats their customers with respect. I will.

Marianne

 

I'm sorry to hear about what happened to you. I have had billing problems with two local doctors offices, one of which I refuse to go back to as a result of the billing issues, even though I have been a patient for over 4 years and have been satisfied with the doctors themselves.

The only explaination that I can think of is that it's too difficult to find good help, or they aren't paying enough to attract quality people.

I am a stickler for stuff like you've gone through. If I were you I'd figure out how much you've paid vs. how much you truly owed (with co-pays and the missed appt fees).

If you paid more than you owe, send a certified letter requiring a signature requesting a refund within a certain time frame. You may also want to "bill" them $100 for each of the 2 appts that they cancelled without notifying you. If nothing else, that should (may) get them off your back. I would also report them to your insurance company.

 

Where is Potomac Psychological Center located?

jaeris

 

They are in two of the three buildings at Professional Plaza here in Ashburn. They are a huge office, and patient care seems to be very far down the list for them, unfortunately.

Yes, they owe me money at this point, and yes, I will send them a certified letter getting my money back.

And I asked them the question if my time was less valuable than theirs, and if they would now pay me 100 dollars for the time I lost because they take it upon themselves to cancel appointments. There is of course no response to that.

Marianne

 

The Dr.'s offices are quite different these days. I also happened to go to an ob/gyn at the Professional Plaza in Ashburn (Women's Care Group) and had a somewhat similar experience. The Dr.'s office initially stated they did not accept my insurance and therefore would not see me as they did not see patient's without acceptable insurance (as well as wouldn't see patients with no insurance). I also had to be the one to stand firm and make them call my insurance company to confirm the coverage. It was annoying.