Brandie B

Review of Cartersville Medical Center

Went to the ER for fever and back pain. (I am a "k...

Went to the ER for fever and back pain. (I am a "kidney patient" -only 1kidney) After they ran tests they told me nothing was wrong with me and they sent me home. I followed up with my personal doctor the following week, still in pain and still with a fever, who discovered I had a kidney infection. But that's not all!! I got a bill that included $860 FOR A PREGNANCY TEST and a $336 for a medication I NEVER received!! I know I didn't because I am a KIDNEY PATIENT and that medicine is known to cause KIDNEY DAMAGE! I requested - and after the nurse told the dr my concerns, received - a more kidney friendly medication. Upon reciept of the bill, I called the billing office to discuss and was told they would review the account. Several weeks later I received a letter stating the charges were correct. I called back and again explained that while the pregnancy test charge is outrageous I did get a test. However, I NEVER received the medication and if they insist that they gave it to me I planned to look into legal action, since I specifically refused the medication!! At that point I was told the account would be turned over to a "research" department. A few weeks later I called back and was told my account was on "hold and under review". A few weeks later I called back and was told the account was still on hold while it was being investigated by a "special NON-CONTACT unit" (I could not speak to anyone in that department directly) and that I would be contacted when the investigation was complete. WELL I JUST GOT A CALL FROM A COLLECTION AGENCY! This is ridiculous!!! BEWARE - insane charges (and I do have insurance) and shady billing practices!!!!!