Baptist Health Medical Group Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

"No estimate and inflated costs! On May 25, 2023, I had an appointment with Dr. B. for an annual check up at the Brannon Crossing location. I am a healthy individual but she recommended blood work, which is good practice. Nobody could give me an estimate of the cost, not Dr. B. and not the receptionist. They said they did not know and could not tell me. They also could not point me to anyone who could tell. Since Dr. B. had recommended it, I had blood taken but I was not informed which labs were ordered, just a check up. My insurance stated they would pay $80 for blood work, so I thought I may have to pay around $300 to $400 out of pocket. To my surprise, I received a bill of $2689.92! As a patient, I have trusted Dr. B. and Baptist Health to have my best interest in mind. But I got charged an inflated price. Yes, there can be variance in cost, depending on insurances but it should not vary this much. Practically, the tests should also not cost that much. Independent laboratories, such as JasonHealth and Quest Diagnostics, offer the same test bundles for under $350 and this includes a consultation with a physician to discuss the results. These companies can offer this and still make profits. Why not Baptist Health? I contacted the Baptist Health billing department (I believe with the location in Chicago) through an advocacy agency. Jerry and his supervisor responded that “estimates” are only a “courtesy service.” Baptist Health cannot and does not have to tell me what they charge. They also denied me a settlement. My question is: Which company can do that? First not tell you what you will buy and how much it costs, and then give you an inflated price (9X of the price of competitors)? And then tell you this is normal. My aim is to advocate not only for myself but other individuals and families because I am sure I am not the only one surprised by such high inflated surprise bills. Please offer fair costs and an estimate, to people of all insurances and those without insurance. And when you inflate prices, offer a settlement."

"Below is a letter I sent on October 4th, 2023 to Central Baptists executives regarding our most recent experience. I have not received a response. This is in addition to two similar incidents in the past 3 years, which I did not mention in the letter and cannot include because of the reviews character limit. Here is the letter: To Whoever Cares Most & Is Willing To Do Something About It, I am reaching out to you because of unsettled issues with your team. I am writing primarily as a husband, but also as a business owner. If I were in your position, I’d like to know if my team treated our clients the way your team treated my wife two days ago. I took my wife and son to the Brannon Crossing Urgent Care on October 3rd with various symptoms. My wife tested positive for Covid with at-home tests and was doing well but developed a nasty cough. My son had a fever. My wife is also 36 weeks pregnant. We came to Urgent Care because we had already been to the Emergency Room several days earlier. During that visit, my wife completed multiple tests, including a CT Scan. She was clear on all counts. No problems. So, we came to Urgent Care looking, simply, to discuss her cough and my son’s fever with a doctor. Straightforward enough. We checked in – everything was fine. We sat in the waiting room – all good. A nurse came and called my wife back. My wife asked about bringing my son back at the same time but was denied. The nurse stated it would only be a few minutes. I assumed, perhaps foolishly, that this meant they would do quick initial measurements, then send her back out for my son and I to join. A few minutes later, my wife walked out crying saying we had to leave. I walked out of the building with her, calmed her down, and asked what happened. When my wife went back with the nurse she was joined by a doctor, and they immediately engaged in fear-based pressure to get my wife to visit the ER. During the ensuing conversation, my wife explained why we did not want to do that, including that visiting the ER is expensive. The nurse condescendingly replied, “dying is expensive too.” The doctor did nothing. In case the moral of this story is lost on you, let me develop a few points: 1. They (meaning the nurse and others – I assume there was coordination) intentionally separated my wife and me. My wife is 36 weeks pregnant, she is fighting sickness, and she’s vulnerable. And your team used that against her. That is reprehensible. 2. To say to my wife, “dying is expensive too” is abhorrent. Is your team really so scared that they can’t behave in a morally decent manner? No compassion? No care for the patient? 3. When my wife inquired about my son she was told abruptly “just treat the symptoms.” What kind of response is that? She was looked at like she was an idiot for even asking. And my 2.5-year-old son received no care. After speaking with my wife outside the building, I returned to the check-in counter and calmly but firmly requested that someone follow up with me regarding the incident. I was assured that someone would. By the end of the day, I had heard nothing, so I called in. On the call I was told the Office Manager was aware of the situation and would follow up first thing in the morning (October 4th). I received a call at 1:29pm today, which I missed because of work. The Office Manager left a voicemail asking for a callback but stated that she would follow up again regardless. I called back at 2:03pm and left a voicemail. To add insult to injury, I have still not heard back. Maybe tomorrow morning. I don’t think your team is taking this seriously. So now I’m doubly pissed. I do not take kindly to pulling my wife away to pressure her – especially when she is extra vulnerable. I trust I’m being clear that this is a problem. I expect a response. -Kevin P.S. I imagine, as executives, you are not often addressed in this manner. You must excuse me as my wife is not often addressed so vilely."

"Iv always thought this was a great doctors office for myself and my child. The doctors have always been very thorough.. but unfortunately throughout the years the integrity of the staff and nurses have decreased rapidly. It seems there is little to no communication between the front desk and the nurses and doctors. So this makes it very hard when scheduling an appointment and upon arrival."

"I began using this practice about a year ago, because it's closer to my house and I dont have to fight Nicholasville road traffic. I've now seen two of the doctors and both were amazing! I seen Dr. Jessica today, as a new patient of hers, and I have got to say, if I could provide 10 stars, I would! She is absolutely the best! She was very attentive to my concerns, extremely well educated and excellent bed side manor. I hope to continue my health and wellness with her !!!"