Animal Hospital of Streamwood Dr. Sheila Newenham Illegally charged 5% just to use credit and overcharged without authorization. Streamwood, Illinois

This animal hospital is the most dishonest animal hospital I have ever come across. My dog went in for a minor limp and I was told I would cost around $250-$300 for x-rays, exams and minor tests. When we checked the dog out it was over $700. I asked to speak with the doctor but she refused to come out front and made the girls at the front desk to give us an explanation. I argued I never authorized additional tests that did not seem necessary for what he went in for. Our neighboor had a similar situation that forced her to sign up for a Care Credit card to be able to pay the bill. The hospital charged an additional 5% to use the card. She called Care Credit and was told the Animal Hospital of Streamwood or any animal hospital is NOT allowed to do that and supposedly would open an investigation.

I recently found out that in August of 2009,  Dr. Sheila Newenham took in a dog that was hit by a car and did not want to treat it.  She tried pawning it to Streamwood PD but they said she acccepted responsibilty for it.  She took the dog to Schaumburg in a shopping center and called 911, as if the incident just happened, and said the dog was hit by a car.  This way another municipalities animal control would have to take care of the dog and associated costs.  The truth came came out but disappeared.  Her husband is a Schaumburg cop. Hmmmmmm?  So we have Illegal use of the Emergency 911 system, filing a false police report and I'm sure we could toss in animal neglect for not treating the dog.  Did her husband abuse his authority?  Did the police department fail to file charges when a crime is commited by a relative of a Police officer.  "Follow the law as we say, not as we do," must be the motto.

I recommended this story should be followed up by the press and a complaint filled with the Department of Professional Regulations.  I have heard other stories from this hospital that should have her licensed revoked and good enough for a Pam Zeckman investigation. 

An employee was recently fired for removing a fraudulent charge from a customers bill.  Similar to my story, she was told a specific price and any other price variances would require customer approval.  Just like when you take you car to the mechanic.  She did not authorize additional charges but there they were on the bill.  The woman complained and had the charge removed.  The employee fired for correcting the bill.  So as I understand it, anyone who refuses to conspire in commiting fraud can be fired from their job.

I hope they are audited and investigated by the State to include her husband and police department.