E. Charisse Dunn, D.P.M. PGA Foot & Ankle, P.A. The Check Still Isn't in the Mail --- Even after BBB and Attorney Involvement Palm Beach Gardens Florida

Besides filing my report on this website, I also filed a complaint with the local Better Business Bureau. Then something interesting happened. On 12/17/2013 I received a voicemail message on my cell phone at 5:13 pm from attorney Wilbert Vancol of the firm McEwan Martinez & Dukes, P.A. in Orlando, Florida.  Mr. Vancol said he was calling on behalf of Dr. Dunn regarding our billing dispute, the complaint placed with the BBB and the postings on consumer websites.

Ironically, I had just been to another podiatrist for a second opinion that same morning, whose opinion was the exact opposite of Dr. Dunn's on 11/4/2013. The original procedure she performed was on 10/21/2013. The second doctor told me my options: remove the nail and start fresh, or use a topical antifungal, or laser treatment. There was no infection, no pain, and my nail was re-adhering to the bed and skin under the nail. I chose the topical antifungal. The visit and meds cost $77, not $400.

On 12/18/2013 I returned Mr. Vancol's call. He  had given me three phone numbers but recommended using his cell phone number. He claimed Ms. Dunn's accounting firm determined I was due a refund of $148, and could I remove the postings on the websites? I told him I could not, but could update them to to say we reached an agreement. I gave Mr. Vancol my email address and told him to send the agreement for my review, changes and signature.

On 12/20/2013 I received an email from the BBB, saying Dr. Dunn had responded. I read the 5- paragraph response, which included the statements: "As a final point, Ms. C is entitled to a refund from my office..." "Ms. C ...appears to be confused..." "Ms. C's refund is forthcoming..." Response was dated 12/19/2013.

As of 12/21/2013 I had received neither the settlement agreement from Mr. Vancol, nor the refund check from Dr. Dunn. So, I called Mr. Vancol on his cell phone, who responded that he was "confused". I left a voicemail message on the law firm's general voicemail, and also emailed the firm's administrator and two senior partners. I recounted the story, and noted that it was also interesting that Mr. Vancol's involvement was not mentioned in the BBB response. I asked for clarification from the firm, but have only received email read receipts from those three individuals. Needless to say, I replied to the BBB that Dr. Dunn's response, if indeed she was the author was not acceptable. I do not understand why Dr. Dunn could not simply communicate directly with me, and then also reneged on the refund.

Good news: the toenail is continuing to heal.