debmorgan

Just received a letter from VA Dept of Health Professions (in response to my complaint) stating they do not regulate practices, only the licensed practitioners, therefore they do not have jurisdiction in this matter. They may not have jurisdiction, but the don't say who would either.

I've had Eric Pinnar FAS and AWLS billing as the companies listed filing claims. They've filed claims through anthem and Aetna. I'm unsure where they got the info to bill Aetna. I'd encourage anyone who's had these recent awls claims filed through Aetna, to submit it to Aetna's fraud dept for review. I'd love to meet up and discuss further with anyone that would like. I'm in Reston. I'll have to figure out the PM'ing here too. Lol

Which entity(s) has been listed on your EOB's as the company filing the AWLS claims? I just got a reply from VADHP btw. I filed via email. I realize there are two threads going but I'm gonna post this in the other in case everyone isn't aware.

Which entity(s) has been listed on your EOB's as the company filing the AWLS claims? I just got a reply from VADHP btw. I filed via email. I realize there are two threads going but I'm gonna post this in the other in case everyone isn't aware. Which entity(s) has been listed on your EOB's as the company filing the AWLS claims? I just got a reply from VADHP btw. I filed via email. I realize there are two threads going but I'm gonna post this in the other in case everyone isn't aware.

I'm really sorry that you're getting the same treatment. If I do get any bills, I will not pay one cent. Doing so could very well extend the statute of limitations (3-5 years in VA) allowing awls to sue for judgement. We shouldn't have to be worrying about this now. It's so ridiculous! When does it stop?

Wow. $100k!? Insane! I'm just waiting for the day AWLS sends bills for the amounts not covered by insurance. I filed my complaints over the weekend to the VADHP, and two insurance companies' fraud departments. I was checking out the VA attorney general site but didn't see the proper classification listed and/or which agency to contact. I'll look further today. I think you're right though. I think it will take many people with the same complaints before someone perks up to listen.

I guess I'm the only one that has trouble after flying. The doctor explained that I may have air in my band that's expanding in flight. I've taken several trips by air since being banded and have trouble with being way too tight during and after the trip. It was explained to me that every flight is like having an adjustment (if you have air in the band I guess?) so you could have the subsequent swelling as if you've had a fill. I'm going overseas again in July and plan on getting a complete unfill before I go. I just hope being empty will alleviate my being so tight and miserable that even saliva makes me feel stuck. I'm glad no one else seems to have troubles though.

Hi! Congrats on your surgery. I hope things are going well. Have you had any luck finding a walking buddy? I thought about doing the same thing but ended up joining a ladies gym. I wouldn't be opposed to walking outside in addition to the gym. It's been soooo nice outside lately.

I fully intend to now that I've come across these threads. It's just so shockingly unbelievable. I dreadfully assumed this was happening to every former patient. I hope it ends. I wonder how many complaint it'll take?

Im getting EOB's too. I was a self pay patient that subsequently got insurance and made the mistake of supplying the information to Dr. Pinnars office. They began billing my insurance (before the sale) for office visits even though I had unlimited visits for two years under the self pay agreement. Fast forward almost three years later, I'm getting EOB's from my former insurance company with charges for office visits at $933 a pop. I received one set for over $20k in services. I was floored. I called the insurance company asking if the office could even do this. It was explained to me that they can file claims up to 1 year after service, it's been nearly three since my surgery. I've spoken to AWLS "billing" department asking the same questions. I explained my agreement with AWLS and was told they have no record of the agreement and that they will continue submitting claims for these outrageous amounts. I was assured that if I didn't owe their office anything that I wouldn't be responsible for all of these amounts being charged to my former insurance company. If they don't have my self pay agreement, how do they know I don't owe for all of these office visits? It's my belief that the new owners of AWLS have alienated patients, ruined what was left of the practice, are bleeding cash so badly that they're looking for money from wherever they can find it. This increases my fear that they will indeed try to come after me for the thousands of dollars they're billing the insurance company. I NEVER ever imagined or anticipated any of this happening when I agreed to let AWLS perform my surgery and band aftercare. The EOB's and run arounds for medical records are just another blow.

Im getting EOB's too. I was a self pay patient that subsequently got insurance and made the mistake of supplying the information to Dr. Pinnars office. They began billing my insurance (before the sale) for office visits even though I had unlimited visits for two years under the self pay agreement. Fast forward almost three years later, I'm getting EOB's from my former insurance company with charges for office visits at $933 a pop. I received one set for over $20k in services. I was floored. I called the insurance company asking if the office could even do this. It was explained to me that they can file claims up to 1 year after service, it's been nearly three since my surgery. I've spoken to AWLS "billing" department asking the same questions. I explained my agreement with AWLS and was told they have no record of the agreement and that they will continue submitting claims for these outrageous amounts. I was assured that if I didn't owe their office anything that I wouldn't be responsible for all of these amounts being charged to my former insurance company. If they don't have my self pay agreement, how do they know I don't owe for all of these office visits? It's my belief that the new owners of AWLS have alienated patients, ruined what was left of the practice, are bleeding cash so badly that they're looking for money from wherever they can find it. This increases my fear that they will indeed try to come after me for the thousands of dollars they're billing the insurance company. I NEVER ever imagined or anticipated any of this happening when I agreed to let AWLS perform my surgery and band aftercare. The EOB's are just another blow.