My name is Dianne and I am a Government employee here in Atlanta, Georgia. I am writing this letter with a three (3) fold request. Firstly, to relate and inform you of the dishonesty in the billing process at the Douglasville, Georgia office. Secondly, I am seeking an immediate remittance of $98.91 over-charged. Thirdly, what policy does Coast Dental (you) plan to implement to prevent future fraudulent billing at Coast Dental?

My family and I have been patients of Coast Dental in Mableton, Georgia for approximately 15 years. I have never had a problem until I changed location from the Mableton office to the Douglasville office .

I had major work done in August 2015 which lasted for more than 5 hours and costed me $2,800.00+. I paid for services rendered immediately. When the bridge first came to the office, it was not fitting properly so it had to be returned and a new impression was made and finally inserted in January 20, 2016.

The billing problems began in January 2016 when I changed my insurance from PPO to DMO. On January 13, 2016 I had a cleaning appointment and was told that there was no charge for the visit. My next and last visit was on January 20, 2016 to insert the permanent bridge and a crown. Early February, I received a statement dated 1/31/2016 for $67.80, (balance owed), when I contacted the office, I was informed that I should not have received a bill and that I should not pay; however, a few weeks later I received another statement dated 2/29/2016 for a total of $232.15. Where did this increase come from? I do not know. It’s apparent that it is a custom that Coast Dental charge more than Aetna allowable charges. Red Flag, BEWARE! BEWARE! BEWARE!
I contacted my insurance requesting an investigation…My insurance company Aetna, contacted Coast Dental while I was holding on the telephone line and it appeared that Coast Dental did indeed overcharged me and promised to reimburse me a few days later (that was in the month of March 2016). Coast Dental did not and have refused to reimburse me. Instead they sent the bill to Choice Recovery Inc. (A collection agency) It appears that Coast Dental was attempting to ruin my credit…I contacted the collections agency explaining that I did not owe Coast Dental $222+ that Coast Dental was fraudulently attempting to collect a payment for which there is no justification.

Aetna Insurance requested that Coast Dental Cooperate Office submit charges and work done from August 2015 thru January 2016. Coast Dental submitted the documents to Aetna and indicated that they inadvertently overcharged me $98.91. Coast Dental was instructed by Aetna Insurance company to cease billing me and they were given 90 day to reimburse me. The 90 days ends on June 10, 2016. Today is June 7th and I have not heard from Coast Dental. If I was inadvertently overcharged, why did Coast Dental not immediately give me a refund? Instead since January Coast Dental intentionally refused to refund me. I immediately contacted Choice Recovery Inc. and attached a copy of Aetna’s response as proof that it was a false attempt being made to collect fund from me. I requested that Choice Recovery cease billing me, close the case and provide me with a confirmation letter indicating that this case is closed.

In summary, I am totally disgusted, disappointed and betrayed by the actions displayed by Coast Dental in Douglasville, Georgia. I have lost trust in your company and my family and friends will no longer be using your services.

In order to prevent further LEGAL ACTION being taken, I am requesting an immediate refund of $98.91 that’s owed to me.

I am also requesting a full investigation and that you review accounts submitted to your cooperate offices for accuracy. STOP THE FRAUDULENT PRACTICES.

Ms. D