| Author |
Message |
    
akb
Citizen
Username: Akb
Post Number: 132
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 4:42 pm: | 
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My husband and I are looking for a new doctor. Our insurance - Empire BCBS - covers a large number in this area so any recommendations to help us narrow it down would be gratefully received. We are generally in good health, other than controlled familial hypertension on his part, so are looking for someone to see once or twice a year on sick visits. Weekend or evening hours are a plus but not essential.
We have been with Dr Glezen-Schneider in Millburn since we moved here in 2000, and I even recommended her on MOL in the past, but her office staff have given us the runaround once too often and this time it is expensive. To cut a long story short, the Dr ordered all sorts of tests on my husband and they sent all the labwork to an out of network lab so we were reimbursed only around half the total bill (almost $1000). We called to ask for their assistance in having some of the uncovered part written off and they refused to help us negotiate with the lab company involved. The office manager immediately acknowledged the mistake but said it was our responsibility to take care of the financial aspect of it, and was incredibly rude to my husband (a very patient man!). Our letters to the Dr have gone unanswered (let's assume they were intercepted) so we have decided to switch to a new practice.
Any and all suggestions gratefully received! |
gretchen
Citizen
Username: Gretchen
Post Number: 70
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 5:35 pm: |
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I really like Dr. Leah Kaltman of the Summit Medical Group's Short Hills office. My husband likes her too. We're in generally good health, but she found something amiss in my physical and I liked the way she handled the whole thing--referring me to a specialist but following up herself, etc. At the Summit Medical Group website you can look at pictures of all of the doctors and see where they went to school, whether they're board certified, etc. |
hismom
Citizen
Username: Hismom
Post Number: 77
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 5:47 pm: |
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I would highly recommend Springfield Family Practice. I really like Dr. Samantha Pozner. She takes the time to really listen, I never feel rushed and have not had trouble getting a referral if needed. The staff and the other doctors are great, too. |
akb
Citizen
Username: Akb
Post Number: 133
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 7:20 pm: |
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Thanks! Both groups are covered for us so I will call tomorrow and see if they are accepting new patients. I really appreciate your recommendations - it is so hard to choose based on the directory alone! |
critter
Citizen
Username: Critter
Post Number: 19
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 8:10 pm: |
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I know this doesn't answer your question, but have you talked to your insurance company about the bill? I got one test too many, and for months tried to negotiate with the hospital each time a bill came. Turns out, if I had just called the insurance company, I could have saved a lot of time and frustration. Oxford told the hospital that they had breached their contract for not telling me to get approval before the test was done and that if the hospital didn't stop billing me, Oxford would take legal action. I never heard from the hospital/collection agency again. Depending on the dr's contract with Empire BCBS, he may be responsible for your bill. |
akb
Citizen
Username: Akb
Post Number: 134
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 - 9:18 pm: |
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Thank you for your suggestions critter. In fact, Empire were very helpful and agreed it was the doctor's responsibility but ultimately can't/won't enforce any action. They suggested we file a complaint and are sending the relevant forms and will back us if we sue the office for the balance of the bill. For the moment, we are hoping the lab will agree to write off the uninsured amount. It all takes time. It took us by surprise somewhat as we originally assumed the doctor's office would be able to take care of it with a phone call. They probably could have - had they been so willing. |
algebra2
Citizen
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 1401
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 8:51 am: |
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Is Summit Medical Group covered under your plan. My husband has Dr. Eileen Klein (Millburn?) and he's been very happy with her. I have also found the people at Summit very easy to deal with. |
akb
Citizen
Username: Akb
Post Number: 136
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 9:23 am: |
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Yes it is - in fact gretchen recommended them upthread too, so I am going to call them this morning. Thanks! |
gtonne
Citizen
Username: Gtonne
Post Number: 19
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 10:42 am: |
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I can add another recommendation for Springfield Family Practice. Dr. Doubek, Dr. Pozner, and Dr. Snyder are all wonderful. They are easy to talk to and have been great with my whole family. The office staff is very helpful. |
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 986
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2003 - 11:41 am: |
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No! Mine is better than yours! Just kidding. But I really do like Dr Orenberg at 1985 Springfield Ave, Maplewood. 973-763-5010.
It's nice that there are so many good choices around here.
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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spw784
Citizen
Username: Spw784
Post Number: 393
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, November 9, 2003 - 7:13 pm: |
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I second the nomination for Dr Scott Orenberg. |
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