Oral Surgery Reimbursement Claim

Summary

The No Surprises Act protects patients from unexpected medical bills for in-network services. If an oral surgeons office is listed as in-network, they should not balance bill you. Aetnas Explanation of Benefits (EOB) indicating $0 patient responsibility supports your claim for a full refund of the $4,800 paid upfront. Consider contacting Aetna for confirmation, filing a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and consulting a healthcare attorney. A demand letter can be drafted to request a full refund, citing the No Surprises Act and the payments made by Aetna and Cigna Dental Insurance.

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Recently, I underwent urgent oral surgery that required an upfront payment of $*,* since the surgeon's office stated they don’t take medical insurance despite being listed as in-network with Aetna. The office stated I could submit insurance after surgery. The claim form was signed by the office and submitted to Aetna, and Aetna issued $*,* to the surgeon, indicating a patient responsibility of $*.*. The oral surgeon's office claims they did not accept the Aetna assignment and are confused about the payment made to them. They offered a refund of $*,*.* only. I believe I am entitled to a full reimbursement of the $*,* based on the No Surprises Act, which prohibits balance billing for in-network services. I am seeking legal advice and precedents to support my claim for reimbursement.
****, you have a strong position based on the No Surprises Act, which aims to protect patients from unexpected medical bills, including those from in-network providers.
- No Surprises Act: Prohibits balance billing for in-network services.
- Aetna’s EOB: Indicates $* patient responsibility.
- Refund Offer: The surgeon's office should refund the full $*,* if they are in-network.
You might want to:
*. Contact Aetna: Request confirmation of the in-network status and payment details.
*. File a Complaint: With the Florida Department of Financial Services or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
*. Legal Consultation: Consider consulting with a healthcare attorney for further action.
Would you like more information on how to file a complaint or find an attorney?
yes
To file a complaint or find an attorney, you can take the following steps:
~Florida Department of Financial Services
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.myfloridacfo.com
~Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.consumerfinance.gov
Would you like assistance in finding a healthcare attorney?
can you help me write a demand letter?
Sure, ****, here's a draft for your demand letter:
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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Oral Surgeon’s Name]
[Oral Surgeon’s Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Oral Surgeon’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally request a full reimbursement of $*,* paid upfront for my urgent oral surgery on [date of surgery]. Despite your office being listed as in-network with Aetna, I was required to pay the total cost upfront.
After submitting the necessary paperwork, Aetna issued payments totaling $*,* to your office, with an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) indicating $*.* patient responsibility. Additionally, Cigna Dental Insurance paid $*,*. The total payments from both insurers amount to $*,*, which fully covers the upfront cost I paid.
The No Surprises Act prohibits balance billing for in-network services, and your office, listed as in-network by Aetna, is bound by this regulation. Therefore, I am entitled toa full reimbursement of the $*,* paid upfront.
Below are the relevant details:
- No Surprises Act: Prohibits balance billing for in-network services.
- Aetna’s EOB: Indicates $* patient responsibility.
- Total Payments: Aetna ($*,*) + Cigna Dental ($*,*) = $*,*.
I request that you issue a full refund of $*,* to my credit card promptly. Should this matter not be resolved, I am prepared to file a formal complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and seek additional legal remedies.
Please confirm receipt of this letter and the processing of my refund within 14 days.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Would you like any additional information or changes to this draft?