2 /5 Charlie Hutchinson: I came for an annual physical (covered by insurance), received a bill for $300+ and was told that what was discussed in my exam wasnt covered... After reviewing the appointment notes its apparent that this is because I inquired about a specific lab, and because the doctor brought up an unprompted topic while checking to my lungs.
Long story short, I was billed over $300 for a sum total of a 2 minute conversation that lead to two referrals, one of which the doctor brought up. While in the appointment I received no additional care outside of the doctor ordering one additional labs that I requested. I spent two months trying to dispute the charge and was told there was nothing anyone could do. I spoke with billing, insurance, my employer, and the doctor. Nothing... If you choose to come here for care I suggest you make it very clear to the doctor the second you walk in the door that you want to explicitly be told if something MIGHT be out of scope.
Pretty upset about my personal situation for obvious reasons, but more importantly Im very disturbed for what this could do to someone vulnerable financially or with a language barrier, etc. From what I was told it seems there are also zero protections from fraud which feels ridiculous. No wonder people choose to avoid getting care. The doctor even had the audacity to tell me "its complicated..."
I certainly wont be back to Sutter, and the only reason Im not leaving a one star review is because my in office experience on the day of the appointment was fine and my attending nurse was fantastic.
I hope this review is helpful to someone and can prevent people being overcharged and then being threatened with creditors.
