Reviews

I made an appointment with Dr ******** at Knoxville Institute of Dermatology because my dermatologist had retired. When I arrived for my appointment, I was told that I would be examined by someone in training and then Dr. Anderson would come in and check me as well. So by being examined by two different people and waiting for them to come and go, my appointment was probably a little longer than usual not by my choice, but I didn’t complain because I understand everyone needs time train. When I received my bill, I was charged at a level four which is the highest level leaving me with a payment that was quite a bit higher than I have been accustomed to paying. The only procedure I had was for the person in training to freeze a precancerous spot. When I contacted the office to question my charges I asked if I was charged for the length of my appointment and explained to her that someone was being trained during my appointment and didn’t feel it was fair for me to pay for that. I was told by the business office that was not the reason and that they don’t charge for length of appointments. She gave me some excuses that didn’t make sense when I question further she became rude and said I would have to call my insurance company. I called my insurance company and they said in fact that they did charge for length of appointment. They had filed a 45 minute appointment with my insurance company which because I hadn’t yet met my deductible left me owing almost $300 dollars out of pocket for that appointment! I called back to the Institute of dermatology business office and told them what my insurance co had said and I was told I was being put on hold while she looked in to it but was hung up on with no return call. I have left multiple messages and still no return call. I sent a partial payment. They continue to bill me and have threatened collection agency but will not return my call so that we can come to a resolution.

My daughter has been going there for over 2 years, probably close to 3 years. She has BlueCare. She always sees a NP or a PA. Her condition is not improving and is getting worse. Her family doctor wanted her to see a MD at the dermatologist instead of a NP or PA for further evaluation because she has never seen a MD there. I called the office to reschedule her appt with the NP to a MD, explained why. The employee who answered explained to me that the NPs are just as good as the MDs and couldn't understand why her family doctor wants her to see their MD instead. I told her that she has never seen one the entire time she has been a patient and there comes a time when a patient needs to see a MD every now and then. I also informed me that her family doctor is supposed to be calling the office and explaining the situation and his reasoning. She then informed me that regardless of what he says she will never see a doctor all because she has Bluecare. I strongly feel like this is discrimination. There should be atleast 1 MD that takes bluecare if your NPs and PAs take it. I completely understand that they work under the supervision of the MDs but how are they supposed to supervise my child's treatment if they refuse to actually see her for themselves. But since I am not offered family insurance at my job, she is on bluecare meaning she doesn't get the same medical treatment opportunities as non medicaid patients. A patient should be allowed to see a medical doctor at their specialist at least once a year. A child should be allowed to see a medical doctor once a year at their specialist, especially if their condition is not improving and is getting worse.