My family and I switched to Dr. L.O. Brend upon the recommendation of a trusted friend and used his services for two years, during which time we were happy with their services. However, I moved out of state in January 2008 and settled any remaining bills with anyone I had in ND. Fast forward to February 2010 when out of the blue I received a bill from L.O. Brend for $157 with no explanation. I called their office to find out how I could have a bill. They could not explain how for two years I had an outstanding balance AND they had never once called me or sent me a bill. Furthermore, they did not even apologize for their gross billing error. They seemed totally clueless and unapologetic.
The bill I received was a small sheet of handwritten notes and supposed charges containing no account number. I sent them a letter asking for a detailed explanation of the claimed outstanding charges and they only sent me a copy of the same handwritten bill. I sent a letter back saying I refused to pay a two year old bill with no explanation as to how it happened. They sent a third copy of the same handwritten bill and threatened to send me to collections. I finally sent them a check for $125 and said they should accept that as paid in full. I received another copy of the same handwritten bill with a note saying if I did not pay the remaining $32 they would send me to collections. #1 How does a company use handwritten billing in today's world? #2 How can I not have an account #? #3 Why could they not provide an explanation of how two years went by without noticing it? #4 Why could they not apologize? #5 Why would they not be willing to admit a mistake and accept a smaller amount as a courtesy for their gross error? #6 Threatening to ruin someone's credit over $32?? Seriously?
If they cannot provide adequate billing documentation to me and explain a two year absence of sending me a bill and are able to potentially send me a fraudulent bill, then why would you ever consider using them as your dentist? BEWARE!
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