WARNING TO ALL NEW PATIENTS! \r
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Being new to the area, I did my research in finding a new Physician that I could look forward to trusting for the next several years to come, and to recommending to my other friends who are also new to the area. I am 30 years old, and plan to start a family soon. I have wonderful insurance coverage, and am fortunate to be able to have my choice of the many great medical facilities in South Carolina. I found great reviews on Lexington Family Practice, and specifically Dr Hicks, so I was happy to call and ask if they were accepting new patients. \r
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I was confused when the office told me that they were accepting new patients, but that I would first have to come in for a ‘Meet and Greet’, as they did not accept wellness exams/physicals as first time appointments. I had never heard of this before, but based on great reviews, I took their advice and scheduled a time to leave (my new job) early, and come by to meet the doctor, so that I could proceed with scheduling my exam that was well past due! \r
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On the date of my ‘Meet and Greet’, I met with the doctor for approximately 10 minutes, and then was asked to proceed to the desk to schedule my physical, which I did. When scheduling my physical exam, the doctors office advised that I complete my up-coming physical exam in two separate visits. I have had a physical exam, every year, for the last 15 years, and I have never been asked to do this before. Knowing that I could not ask my new employer to let me out of work TWO more times, and knowing that this would mean I would have to pay TWO co-pays, and potentially additional fees based on my insurance coverage that allows one physical per calendar year, I declined. \r
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My (complete) physical exam, two weeks later, took approximately 20 minutes, and was seemingly a pleasant experience. \r
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I then received a bill in the mail for $116.00, that my insurance company refused to pay. \r
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Although Lexington Family Practice did not mention this in their request for the new patient meet and greet, Insurance companies do NOT pay for ""meet and greets"". In speaking with multiple other doctors, and the insurance company, this is not a normal practice, unless it is something that the doctor offers as a complimentary service to their new and prospect patients. I called the office and all of the above policies were confirmed as policies in place by Lexington Family Practice. I was told that sometimes they “tell people to wait until something is wrong to come in” so that they don’t get charged. I was offered a 25% discount on my bill for the meet and greet, but was told that I would have to pay it.\r
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This is not a matter of money, but I do feel that all future patients should be warned. I have never experienced anything like this before! I can tell you that I absolutely MUST know that I can trust my medical providers to also be looking out for my best interest. I feel as though I was, in a way, scammed by Lexington Family Practice, and I will absolutely be finding a new provider to move forward with in the Columbia area. Additionally, I have warned my friends who were searching to find a new office as well!!! Do NOT wait until there is “something wrong” to get your annual wellness exam! My mother was diagnosed with cancer in April; cancer that an annual physical screening caught. Do NOT agree to visits that a doctors office recommends that don’t even have a code in existence for your insurance company. Do not agree to have a 20 minute physical in two separate appointments, that will be both an additional financial burden, as well as an inconvenience. Do not select Lexington Family Practice if you want a clinic that has their patients best interest at heart. Sincerely, a very Disappointed ex-patient \r
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