E. Charisse Dunn, D.P.M. PGA Foot & Ankle, P.A. Billing & Overbilling for Services Not Rendered Palm Beach Gardens Florida

 I went to Dr. Charisse Dunn as I wanted one of my large toenails removed, based on previous medical history and the condition of the toenail. With over 30 years of medical sales & service experience in the tri-county area, I know the healthcare market in South Florida. I choose medical professionals based on various sources, and the selection provided by my insurance, this year an Aetna open access PPO.

However, Dr. Dunn argued against the toenail removal for cosmetic reasons, so I agreed to a wedge resection of the one side of the (ingrown) toenail.  Both of my large toenails had been reduced before due to years of wearing and walking a lot in high heels while in outside sales. I know the procedure well.

Afterwards, I went to the front desk to pay. Her assistant told me my co-pay was $50, but then asked if I would pay $350, based on my remaining deductible. The request seemed odd, so I used my credit card to pay. There were complications, so I returned, and paid $50 for another office visit. Dr. Dunn told me that I might lose the toenail anyhow (my original request). After the visit an EOB from Aetna showed that Dr. Dunn had billed Aetna $50, plus $350 for Removal of the Nail Bed, which did not happen. Even if it had, my total would have been $193.96, not $350.

I mailed Dr. Dunn a letter addressed "Personal" 13 days ago, but have received no response from her. I also filed a merchant dispute and copied Aetna. Dr. Dunn still has not responded to what I termed a "Billing Error/Dispute". I requested the error be corrected, along with a refund of whatever the difference would be, given correct coding of the procedure performed. Yet, there has been no communication from her, even though I have notified her, the credit card company and the insurance company. In this case, silence is not golden, and potential patients need to know about the billing practices of PGA Foot & Ankle.