Hello! I was wondering if anybody is familiar with Dr. Eric Pinnar here in Jax, Fl? I have heard some wonderful things about him and his team in Virgina/D.C but I was wondering specifically for his team in Jax. I recently attended one of his seminars and was very impressed. I have not yet met his staff and am curious what the general opinion is! Thanks!

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.

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.

I really suggest those that have proof of this going on, please contact your state's attorney general office. This is insurance fraud being conducted by the physician's office and is no better than Medicare/Medicaid fraud that is running rampant and unchecked.

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?

I have no idea, but if anyone attends a local support group, I'd get the word out.

I work for an insurance company and actually investigate suspected insurance fraud. What you describe is insurance fraud. You need to notify your insurance company. You should also contact the Department of Insurance and report his activites! Sorry you are going through this.

The new owner is the one doing all the billing since the practice was sold on 3/1/11. He/they are billing for all of the patients who were seen since July of 2007. The previous owner is contractually prohibited from having anything to do with the practice since it was sold on 3/1/11. And yes, I think it is sickening what the new ownership has done.

I have also received EOBs going back to 2008 for at least $100K. I was a "fills for life" patient -- I paid a set amount for lifetime visits. I'd be interested in connecting with other former patients who are having similar problems. Maybe if we band together (no pun intended) we'll get better results with the VA Board of Medical Professions, the states attorney, the state insurance commission, one of the media consumer watchdog groups, or someone else willing to help.

I have also received EOBs going back to 2008 for at least $100K. I was a "fills for life" patient -- I paid a set amount for lifetime visits. I'd be interested in connecting with other former patients who are having similar problems. Maybe if we band together (no pun intended) we'll get better results with the VA Board of Medical Professions, the states attorney, the state insurance commission, one of the media consumer watchdog groups, or someone else willing to help.

Deb,

I have also received EOBs going back to 2008 for at least $100K. I was a "fills for life" patient -- I paid a set amount for lifetime visits. I'd be interested in connecting with you and other former patients who are having similar problems. Maybe if we band together (no pun intended) we'll get better results with the VA Board of Medical Professions, the states attorney, the state insurance commission, one of the media consumer watchdog groups, or someone else willing to help. I too am concerned that they're going to turn around and try to bill me (though I suspect they won't since they have to know they're in the wrong, and that would result in lawsuits and legal bills they won't want to deal with).

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.

http://www.stampoutfraud.com/

The above link is for reporting insurance fraud in Virginia. Y'all might want to go that route.

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?

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.