High Desert Medical Group sent me to their contractor Renaissance Imaging with no other option for a more affordable ultrasound for some sort of Poly-cystic Ovarian screening. The cost of the ultrasound came up to $632. ($326 for CPT code 76830 and $326 for CPT code 76856) which is THREE TIMES the expense incurred by competitors and comparable charges in this are. Medicare charges $275 for this ultrasound. The Mammogram came up to $430 (CPT code G0202). I know that mammograms through Medicare can cost under $100. HDMG and Renaissance Imaging exceeded comparable charges by TRILPLING them! My insurer was XXX.

I don't know what I did to them to receive this malicious extortion. I have been diagnosed with cysts on my ovaries in the past without use of an ultrasound. The ultrasound, the type of ultrasound and the need for this ultrasound made no difference in the diagnosis or treatment.

I was not feeling well when I went to the doctor and she, through HDMG's policies violated the Hippocratic Oath and Code of Ethics on providing AFFORDABLE care.

THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH:
“…I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability…I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.”
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/doctors/oath_modern.html

After I got my bill, I filed a grievance with my insurance company regarding the excessive charges. The insurance company is not the problem, except that they can reject you for having PCOS. I attempted to resolve the matter through Renaissance and High Desert Medical Group directly and really went through a wild goose chase and got the run around. ALL of my other accounts are paid in full. The doctors’ visits are all paid for, the blood work is paid for and the prescriptions are paid for. This one I haven’t paid because I am trying to dispute it.

One person tried to tell me that the high charge was because of my insurance was a PPO and not an HMO. I could understand that difference being $50 but not $400 difference! And my insurance was gouged as well. IT’s not my insurance’s fault that Dr. XXXX (another OBGYN in the area) can charge $200 for the same exact ultrasound when Renaissance Imaging charges $652!

I’m under the impression that High Desert Medical Group is getting kickbacks from Renaissance Imaging in the same manner if they’re willing to violate the Code of Ethics and Hippocratic Oath by abusing their patients financially in this manner. It was their choice to hold a contract with Renaissance Imaging and they did nothing to defend me.

I’m not doing this because I’m cheap. I’m doing this out of principle and ethics. I went to the doctor because I was feeling really bad. How dare they take advantage of that and use the law in their favor to abuse me when I’m ill!

Do not use these people. I'm pursuing this legally. If anyone has been abused in this matter, Google "medical billing ADVOCATE", contact the State Attorney General, file a complaint. Don't be complacent.