Post by Bonsai Girl on Aug 6, 2005 11:52:40 GMT -5
I took someone's advice and contested all my DOP bills. I have since had every single bill erased from my file. Don't ask me to post my form letter-I would, but I think it's important for you to actually write it yourself and let them know why you refuse to pay these bills. When you write it yourself and personalize your refusal, it will be quite therapeutic, I'm hoping (it surely was for me).
When I sat down to write mine, I knew to keep it only about 1 page, so people would be able to read it easily, and mention how the doctor either didn't follow standard investigative protocol, or how they just didn't help me at all. You probably should not make any personal attacks: like "The doctor was a complete moron and he was so rude" even though I'm sure it's all true Just keep it to the facts, because they alone present a convincing argument. Using emotional language could make them think that this is about your ego, which would not be a valid reason to contest the bill; inadequate care is.
Give them the facts of when you began having symptoms, and feel free to describe the symptoms in as much horrifying detail as you can (I used a few lines like 'I have fibers that can be seen with the naked eye emerging from every pore on my body, causing intense itching that feels as if fire ants are swarming all over me, constantly biting every surface area. Every area on my body is plagued-my head, face, arms, neck, back, legs, and privates-these same fibers cause lesions which are infested with the fibers as well') and be sure to get yout point across about how having this disease is bad enough without the inadequate treatment that all of us receive from the doctors. Mention that you have done research and know that this disease is commonly diagnosed as DOP when, in fact, there are thousands of us who share the same, identical, hideous symptoms.
I threw in a little tidbit about how this disease is quite infectious and highly contagious by those with compromised immunity. Don't know for sure but that may have been a reason why no one wanted to respond to my "Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions" and just made the monetary adjustment.
The last paragraph could go something like "I am therefore refusing to pay the aforementioned charges because I was not given any treament for this disease..." whatever you like. I am sure you won't have any problem writing the letter, and may even enjoy it.
Believe me, it's VERY empowering not only to write the letters, but also to receive back the bills where the disputed charges have all been adjusted without a word. You will get an adjustment, and they will not even write anything on the bill or send you a letter explaining the reason. Just the adjustment. (I'll take it! ;D )
Do you feel like you are suffering enough without the additional burden of having to pay for inadequate medical treatment? Do you feel like you should have to pay someone to be incredibly arrogant, unkind, and barely give you a chance to say "but it's not just dandruff" before shuffling you out the door? Then gather up all the DOP related bills-including any hospital stays, psychiatric ward bills, lab analyses that came back with nothing found, anything and everything related to your journey with this disease. Take the anger you have at doctors (which is rightful anger and can be used productively) and get writing! Let them know how, under no circumstance, will you ever pay for the bills that were sent to you, because you went in there complaining of a legitimate problem, and were not given adequate care for it.
Good luck everyone!
love Bonsai Girl
When I sat down to write mine, I knew to keep it only about 1 page, so people would be able to read it easily, and mention how the doctor either didn't follow standard investigative protocol, or how they just didn't help me at all. You probably should not make any personal attacks: like "The doctor was a complete moron and he was so rude" even though I'm sure it's all true Just keep it to the facts, because they alone present a convincing argument. Using emotional language could make them think that this is about your ego, which would not be a valid reason to contest the bill; inadequate care is.
Give them the facts of when you began having symptoms, and feel free to describe the symptoms in as much horrifying detail as you can (I used a few lines like 'I have fibers that can be seen with the naked eye emerging from every pore on my body, causing intense itching that feels as if fire ants are swarming all over me, constantly biting every surface area. Every area on my body is plagued-my head, face, arms, neck, back, legs, and privates-these same fibers cause lesions which are infested with the fibers as well') and be sure to get yout point across about how having this disease is bad enough without the inadequate treatment that all of us receive from the doctors. Mention that you have done research and know that this disease is commonly diagnosed as DOP when, in fact, there are thousands of us who share the same, identical, hideous symptoms.
I threw in a little tidbit about how this disease is quite infectious and highly contagious by those with compromised immunity. Don't know for sure but that may have been a reason why no one wanted to respond to my "Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions" and just made the monetary adjustment.
The last paragraph could go something like "I am therefore refusing to pay the aforementioned charges because I was not given any treament for this disease..." whatever you like. I am sure you won't have any problem writing the letter, and may even enjoy it.
Believe me, it's VERY empowering not only to write the letters, but also to receive back the bills where the disputed charges have all been adjusted without a word. You will get an adjustment, and they will not even write anything on the bill or send you a letter explaining the reason. Just the adjustment. (I'll take it! ;D )
Do you feel like you are suffering enough without the additional burden of having to pay for inadequate medical treatment? Do you feel like you should have to pay someone to be incredibly arrogant, unkind, and barely give you a chance to say "but it's not just dandruff" before shuffling you out the door? Then gather up all the DOP related bills-including any hospital stays, psychiatric ward bills, lab analyses that came back with nothing found, anything and everything related to your journey with this disease. Take the anger you have at doctors (which is rightful anger and can be used productively) and get writing! Let them know how, under no circumstance, will you ever pay for the bills that were sent to you, because you went in there complaining of a legitimate problem, and were not given adequate care for it.
Good luck everyone!
love Bonsai Girl