Zac Folkerts

Review of Anesthesia Associates of Kansa...

Below you can see my original review, which at the...

Below you can see my original review, which at the time, was well deserved. Tammi (the office manager) apparently saw my review and urged me to call and discuss my complaint. In stark contrast to my earlier telephone encounter, Tammi had a very positive demeanor and strove to understand my issues. She admitted to some lapses in their customer service will also added some much appreciated perspective on the insurance end. While this effort doesn't negate the inexcusable experience I originally encountered, it does speak volumes (especially toward her) with taking accountability after the fact and helping make the situation right. A ONE star for the original experience and a FIVE star for Tammi's efforts = an amended THREE star review.

If I could give negative stars I would. Like some here, I had a procedure at Research Medical Center (HCA). Prior to the surgery my insurance pre-authorized the procedure and the surgeon and hospital were both in network. As is the case with many surgery centers, Research farmed out the anesthesia services to this joke of a company, which was out of network. When patients have no control, or often even knowledge, of what providers may be brought into the room it is customary for insurance companies to bill it as an in-network provider, provided the insurance submittal is properly coded and tethered to the procedure.

Within 1-2 months of the surgery I started to receive the EOBs and bills. When I saw that AAKC was billed as an out of network provider I called my insurance company to discuss. I was informed they did not properly bill the insurance, thus the claim was made to look like a separate claim (from the procedure) and was processed incorrectly. When I called AAKC to tell them they needed to resubmit the claim I encountered the most rude, unprofessional, and misinformed staff member I have ever encountered. In a condescending tone she proceeded to 'explain' how out of network providers work and that they'd be happy to accept the "cash" price for my payment. I replied, "no, that's not how it works as I've been through this exact same scenario with 2 other procedures". Once I challenged her with actually knowledge, she became even more crass. Based on my experience I have the feeling many customers have been cheated out of THOUSANDS of dollars simply because they weren't as informed as myself (therefor taken advantage of).

The sad part? When a company has this many negative reviews, reiterating the EXACT same complaints (over and extended period of time), it's likely this is the norm rather than an isolated incident. This company needs to seriously re-evaluate their ethics and how they deal with patients.

EDIT: Google, please remove the bogus 5 star review from Rachel Schollars below. She works there (as indicated by the review) and it's an obvious attempt to prop up this company's (well-deserved) low rating.