Patient
During our most recent visit in July, we arrived at the usual office location only to find a note on the door stating there had been a water main break. We were directed across the street to the main hospital, where a temporary office had been set up. My son was scheduled for his annual visit, which included an echocardiogram, EKG, and a consultation with the doctor. A month later, I received a $300 bill due to a facility charge--apparently because the echocardiogram was performed at the hospital rather than the regular office. For the past 18 years, we've only paid a $25 copay for this same visit. After contacting the billing department and emailing the office manager, I was told that I am responsible for the charge and advised to dispute it with my insurance company. However, this situation was entirely out of our control. The water main break was not the fault of the patient or the insurance provider, and at no point was I informed that receiving care at the temporary location would result in a significantly higher charge. Had I known, I could have made an informed decision to reschedule the appointment once the regular office reopened.