Temmen Advanced Eyecare Dr. Camda Temmen Improper billing, lying to patient, not checking insurance coverage, assuring they checked coverage, out of network, not giving patient opportunity for informed decision making, telling patient "it is Mt. Zion, Illinois

Temmen Advanced Eyecare was called for an appointment to be made.  When speaking to "nurse", patient had stressed the importance of checking insurance coverage to make sure this appoinment was not going to be out of pocket because patient couldn't afford it.

After calls back and much assurance, the patient had every reason to believe the "nurse" had checked the coverage and the appointment was made.  Upon arriving for the appointment, the Patient again stressed the importance of insurance coverage and copy of insurance card was made.  The women at the front desk said they will double check. 

The patient and spouse went into the exam room, and when talking to Dr. Temmen, again asked to make definitely sure that this was a medical visit and would be billed accordingly and there wouldn't be any issues.  Dr. Temmen said "Oh! UHC through International Paper!  You will be fine!"  To which the patient and spouse were again assured through the Dr. herself that the insurance was accepted and would cover the appointment.

Upon checking out and making follow-up appointment, the spouse was directed by the receptionist/billing clerk? to pay $12 because she ran the benefits and that is what the patient is responsible for.  Spouse tried to pay $20 but 3 times was told that NO! the insurance will cover the rest and all patient is responsible for is $12.  Again...making patient and spouse believe they really ran the benefits.

A month and a half later, a bill came and the Patient was being held responsible for $60!!  Turns out that Dr. Temmen's was OUT OF NETWORK!  This should have been disclosed to the patient at some point when they were making all of their promises and assurances that they took care of it. 

Where in here should the patient be held liable for the office not upholding their end and making assurances that they did?  The patient could have went to a number of different Optometrists that were In Network, but was duped into going to Temmen Advanced Eyecare.

When patient called the office and spoke with Jason, the office administrator, who said he discussed this matter with Dr. Temmen, the patient was told "It is what it is!  You as the Patient, are responsible for your benefits and your bill!"  How unethical and unfair and just BAD BUSINESS!