Valley Forge Facial Plastic SurgeryValley Forge Facial Plastic Surgery-Ear, Nose And Throat Asscociates Ear doctor charges exuberant fees for ear examination Pottstown Pennsylvania

My 18 year old son went to subject health care provider and was seen by Dr Larry Feiner complaining of a minor hearing loss following a flight from Utah back to Phila., PA. He had no prior history of ear infections, ear problems during or after flying commercially and is in perfect health.

He was granted a quick appointment and was seen by subject doctor within 2 days after calling their office. The doctor performed a series of hearing tests, suctioned some water from his ear and prescribed a generic steroid pack (cost of $5.00). I am happy to report that this doctors treatment resulted in a speedy recovery but an exceptionally high bill for a short office visit (approximately 30 minutes)with a routine diagnosis and treatment.

I am now particpating in a consumer driven health care plan provided by my Fortune 500 company employee benfits. This plan comes with a high deductable in hopes that covered plan particpants seek out the best value realtive to health care provider services.

Dr Feiner's bill for this short office visit totaled $680.00 His contract with my insurance company resulted in $350.00 discount leaving me with an actual charge for this visit of $330.

Simply put, his service and treatment were effective but the cost to have this simple diagnosis and treatment performed were just too high. I did write to Dr Feiner expressing my opinion on his high fees and I recieved a written response from his office manager stating that they only charged what my insurance provider allowed for these services. Somehow this office believes that if the insurance company agrees to pay they will charge as much as they can. I'm sure that's the real reason they actually charged $680.

I would not recommend this doctor to a friend as I believe many qualified ear doctors in my locale could have done the same thing for far less money. We are consumers and we have a right to begin questioning fees that we are charged through for those of us fortunate enough to have health care coverage.

Barry
Pottstown, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.