First Choice Emergency Room Too little info too late, Internet

In March 2012 I went to First Choice Emergency "Room".  After suffering all night from feeling like I had swallowed a bowling ball I thought I would stop by this new emergency clinic (not really a clinic) on my way to work.

After filling out paperwork, I was seen immediately and the doctor diagnosed my severe pain as laryngitis and called in a prescription for me. As I left I paid $100 and submitted my insurance.  I was in the facility 15 minutes total.

Approximately 30 days later I received a bill for just under $1,100.  Yep that is what I said "whaaaaa".  I called my insurance company and they said that I had not met my deductible for the year of $1,500 and I said, "but I thought this was a clinic".  They did not do anything worth $1,100 which as actually over $1,300 when you allow for the $100 I paid and the insurance company's adjustment.

So I decided to call the billing office for FCEC which is in Dallas.  BTW First Choice Emergency "Rooms" are owned by a group of doctors.  I ask the girl what was up with the huge bill for a 15 minute office visit and she said they is what was owned after the insurance company adjustment.  I then asked her what the visit would have cost me had I not used my insurance and she said $327.  I said well then I want to remove my insurance and I will pay the full amount in cash.  She said it was too late since my insurance company had already paid their part.

I asked the girl why there was such a huge difference in a person without insurance and a person with insurance and she said "we have to keep the lights on".  I then told her if I had known this I would have not used my insurance card and just paid in cash.  She said it was stated on the top of the form I filled out.  I think she was wrong, but who really pays attention to the fine print when they are so ill they can barely hold their head up.

All I can say is everyone needs to be aware of these new Emergency "Rooms" popping up all over.  They are not the same as the typcial emergency clinic.  Tell your friends and family.  I have since talked to 2 others that experienced the same outrageous charges when they thought they were going to a clinic.  WHAT A RIP OFF!!!!!!