Jolas & Associates, LLP Unprofessional Mason City, Iowa

2 of my daughters had complications when they were born and because of that Pediatrix Medical Group was called in to oversee their care in each of the 2 different hospitals. With my oldest, I never spoke with a doctor no matter how many times I requested contact and the second time I did only once during the entire month she was hospitalized. The facility is quick to bill but hard to contact. After my youngest daughter's discharge from the hospital, I got a statement from them telling me thousands were owed. When I called to find out the status of the insurance, they told me it was still pending. Several more months passed and I got a phone call from Pediatrix Medical Group (so the person said) asking for status of payment. I explained that I had not received any calls or other statements regarding the insurance status they told me they were waiting for. I was told the account would be put on hold until they figured it out on their end and then resume billing at the appropriate time. Next thing I know I am getting a collection letter from Jolas & Associates, LLP.  They are attorneys representing Pediatrix Medical Group in order to obtain payment from me.  I called the 800# on the letter and a person (gender could not be distinguished over the phone) answers that does not and will not disclose their name. I explained to this person that I never received any final information from their client regarding the account. They told me they had a notation that I did speak with someone and the account was placed on a hold status but that I still never made a payment. Okay... Um... I don't understand how I am supposed to make payment on a balance I didn't know existed if insurance was pending.  I still haven't received anything from the insurance on this.  Anyway... I told the person I needed to make some kind of payment or financial assistance arrangements because I have a collapsed spine and can not work; therefore, I have NO income at all. They told me they needed $500 today. I explained that was impossible and I only had $10 that I borrowed from someone already. The person got mad and began to raise their voice blurting out it would take decades to pay off the account ($2,746.49) and that $10 was in no way acceptable.  They also continued to remind me that I was contacting an attorney's office.  Okay, I guess they don't realize that any attempt to make payment (no matter in what amount) is NOT illegal. This person just kept raising their voice telling me that I needed to go borrow the money from someone and it had to be at least $500 for just this month. Wow! I couldn't believe I was actually sitting there listening to this person. I really just wanted to hang up on them but I was in awe. Well, I guess time will only tell what is going to happen in the next encounter I have with them.  I'm sure, there will be a continuation on this.