Jamie Holmes stood her ground when a surgery center tried to overcharge her for two operations instead of one. Despite being taken to court by a collection agency, Holmes refused to give in.
Holmes, a resident of northwestern Washington state, underwent surgery in 2019 to have her fallopian tubes tied, covered by her insurance company. During the procedure, the surgeon noticed early signs of endometriosis, spending 15 minutes cauterizing the tissue as a preventive measure.
Assured that the additional treatment for endometriosis would not cost much, Holmes was taken aback when she received the bill billing her for two separate procedures.
The surgery center billed her $4,810 for each operation, totaling $9,620. Despite insurance paying a portion, a collection agency later sued her for $3,792.19, including interest and fees.
While the surgeon and anesthesiologist’s bills were in order, the surgery center’s billing department insisted on charging Holmes for two surgeries, a mistake she tried to rectify to no avail.
Refusing to pay for services she did not receive, Holmes is determined to challenge the erroneous bill. She believes a fair charge for the additional treatment would have been around $500.
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Despite the surgery center being purchased and closed, the debt was handed to a collection agency, SB&C, which pursued legal action against Holmes. After disputing the lawsuit, the judge ruled in Holmes’ favor due to conflicting facts.
Corlette, from Georgetown University, criticized the surgery center for its billing practices, calling it absurd and kafkaesque. She highlighted the importance of fighting back against unjust medical bills, advising patients to file complaints with state regulators.
Holmes has vowed to continue fighting against the unjust billing practices and remains resolute in her stance. She plans to take legal action if necessary to seek damages and attorney fees in response to the collection agency’s pursuit.
Key Lesson: Do not back down in the face of unfair medical billing practices. Standing up for your rights, even in court, can lead to a favorable outcome and discourage further exploitation.
Haynes, an attorney, emphasized the importance of resisting unjust debt collection practices and attending court hearings to present your side of the story. By challenging erroneous bills, consumers can hold billers accountable and prevent undue financial burdens.
tleys@kff.org,
@tonyleys
