I have had about 30 surgeries throughout my lifeti...

I have had about 30 surgeries throughout my lifetime to ameliorate my facial anomoly and this is by far the worst hospital I have ever been to. This hospital is violating HIPPA laws by having their cubicle billing area located in each waiting room of the outpatient center. From the back of the waiting room (on the 22nd floor), you are able to hear everyone's HIPPA information being discussed as clear as day. I was late for surgery on the day of my procedure due to the billing lady taking an hour per patient to check them in and deal with billing issues. She belittled me and everyone that came before me trying to manipulate each one of us to pay upfront for our procedure. I was threatened that if I didn't pay, I wasn't able to have my procedure. When I explained to her that I was never notified of payment prior to my procedure, she scorned at me. It wasn't until my doctor came out asking me why I was still in the waiting room and not already prepped for surgery (as he just finished with his prior surgery and was on a tight schedule), that something got done. I was rushed to get ready due to the hospital's error. I even had to change while the nurse was in the room because "there isn't any time and I need to ask you questions." In addition, I was belittled by my anesthesiologist, Margarita Martirena, and told that "You are not having a baby; stop breathing like that" and "a child that I just saw could do this and you can't." This is unprofessional behavior. When I brought up all these concerns with Jan in the 'quality of care department' I was victim blamed ("Why didn't you bring up these concerns earlier?" "Did she really say that?", etc.) and told there was nothing they can do to help me. This is not an adequate response coming from a top rated hospital that prides themselves on patient care. In addition, when I questioned the charges on my account, they immediately sent my bill to collections rather than help me understand my billing charges. When I found several overcharges for several medications (billing more for the quantity when I received less according to my medical records) and time in the OR/Recovery Room (over billing operation room time when I was really in the recovery room), they tried to cover them up rather than admit to their unethical mistakes. I kept a tape recorder in my pocket and have all my conversations recorded during my hospital visit and thereafter and I suggest you do the same. Also, please get a copy of your itemized bill and your medical records and compare them. 80% of the time you will find several errors as this hospital only cares about making a dollar rather than helping people. From now on I will stay away from Methodist at all costs as I know that other hospital and outpatient facilities put their patients first, which this hospital seems to not know how to do.