Pulmonary Associates

I participated in a sleep study a couple months back because my physician suggested I may have sleep apnea after I complained of fatigue. After consulting with some friends and family I went agreed to the study hesitantly after hearing the pros and cons. Prior to me agreeing and scheduling the study I wanted to find out what it would cost me and Pulmonary and Associates assured me it would cost me no more then $150 out of pocket. \r \r So I went in for the study, on a positive note the staff the preformed the study was very nice. I arrived at the study at 9 but because the other patients had some real health issues it took them several hours to hook her up for the study. You would think the staff would be notified ahead of time that a difficult patient was scheduled ahead of time and that additional staff would be on-site to help out. At almost midnight I was hooked up and ready for bed and was awoken at 5am to leave the study. I am not sure how accurate a sleep study is really with 4 hours of sleep data. A week later I received a call and was told that I am a snorer and do not have sleep apnea.\r \r All the above I can live with, I have now received a bill for over $1,100 bucks and was notified that another bill may be coming soon. I thought surely this must be a mistake they said $150 was the most I would pay, so I called and inquired about this and person in the billing dept said ""this doesn't make sense let me call your insurance company."" 10 minutes later he called me back and informed me he understood why the person at Pulmonary Associates told me that it would on cost me $150 but that it was bad information that they gave me and that I am responsible for the bill. I have good credit and would like to keep it that way so if you know any recourse other then paying the bill, please let me know. \r \r Word to the wise- do not do business with Pulmonary Associates, this is a business and not a medical practice, and if you do get everyhing in writing!! \r \r This whole process could will cost me $1500+ after insurance paid a bunch, to be told I snore, I have a wife that tells me that 5 times a night for free! more

09/16/2008 - Attended appt with Dr. Batatz for diagnosis of a breathing restriction and not being able to sleep nights. Was diagnosed with insomnia and was provided 10 samples of Ambien Cr. My complaint of breathing restriction was not addressed. Dr requested I leave a msg for him on 9/29/08 as to my progress with insomnia. Mentioned several occasions I would need prior auth for an ambien cr rx. \r 9/19/2008 - No call, left msg for Dr. Baratz to call, call was returned later pm. was referred to on 2 occasions as David, my name is Daniel. Dr. mentioned he would have the rx called into my pharmacy 9/20/08 - Was out of ambien cr samples. went to osco to pick up my rx only to find it could not be filled due to prior aut reqd on the rx not fulfilled.\r 9/20/08 called admin of the office with no response and action to get the rx to go thru.\r 9/21 thru 9/29: Throught this week's period my breatiing restriction had become worse. Made an appt with a Cardiologist of Tricitycardiogy for concerns with CFH. If my breathing restrictions are not heart related I am requested to see a Pulmonary Specialist. However Dr Baratz is a Pulmonary Specialst. A huge runaround and expense for me.\r 9/29/08 called pmcy. no rx available. called baratz's office today - phone admin stated a call would be returned to me today - its is 6:00pm and no call has been returned. 8 Days have now passed and no rx is made availablef. I have not been sleeping these past 8 nigths with no avail or concern. Still no phone call from the nurse. Called office this morning & no call was returned. Called again at 11:00am spoke with the phone admin. She connected me to Rafrael who mentioned a new fax would be sent to the ins co for rx prior auth approval. I asked to speak with the office mgr (Alley). Alley opted to not speak. I will now have to wait another 48 hrs for the insurance carrier to rcv the prior auth fax in order for rx approval. Today's attempted communications again are unacceptable!\r \r Pros: incompetant staff, no management, no support Cons: incompetant staff, no management leadership, lack of professionalism, no support more