Bethany L. Bitner, MD 9128 North Lindbergh Drive, Peoria, IL 61615

"*read this if you’re worried about SURPRISE billing* The doctor was nice and I felt relieved that my appointment went well because I have doctor anxiety from past trauma. However, I am currently fighting their billing department about my bill. They coded it just as “new patient” and while it was my first appointment with her, it was my annual visit. & it was only new patient because I just moved here. Any appt would be a new patient appt. My son’s pediatrician still coded his first appt as preventative and it was covered. After reviewing the bill with my insurance they did not use any preventative codes at all. I explained that even if it is not 100% covered by my insurance due to it being a new patient appointment SOMETHING should be covered because it was my wellness appointment for the year and literally nothing was done at this appointment. I just walked in, talked to the dr about how everything is the same and that I manage my health well. They didn’t even do labs, which I’m still kind of confused about. I actually called a couple weeks later to find out why we didn’t do blood work. No one got back to me. But I told the dr that I was really just there to get my medicines. I said “I have been using those online services but I thought why not use my free appt to get my meds this time!” 3 weeks later I get a bill for $600 and the only code on it is “new patient office visit.” I asked why there are no preventative codes for services & all they said was “well it was your first appointment. But your next one will be free next year!” What? That doesn’t even make sense. Since when is the dr a punch card? After speaking with many people, my lawyer and insurance included, they have advised me that is not right. I asked for an itemized bill. I have never received it. Finally my insurance called on the line with me and explained to them that even with it being a new patient appointment, there should be some code for the wellness exam so they can at least pay for that portion. The tone of the “Springfield patient advocate” changed completely with my insurance on the line. It’s been almost 2 months and they tried to call today to tell me it was coded correctly. So here I go back to my insurance to get it reviewed again. Even my insurance said $600 ($750 with no insurance at all) is extremely expensive just for a “new patient office visit.” I’m really frustrated that this appointment, where nothing was done except write some prescriptions, would be $750 anyway. Who can even afford a visit to just “establish care” and meet their dr for no reason like that? I’m a single mom & I told the dr I moved here bc I was leaving an abusive situation & they charge $750 for a new patient appointment? I have a well woman appt scheduled and will be canceling. I don’t trust them at all. They are in network for Cigna and this is well outside of what the average for a new patient appointment would even be. So be careful going to this clinic. I would understand a misunderstanding with the phrase “establishing care.” But it’s how the mistake is handled that I take issue with. I even told them if it wasn’t 100% covered because of being a new patient I would understand that but $600?! And being told over and over by them that this is coded correctly, even when my insurance says that they just need to add preventative codes, shows they do not actually care about their patients. There is not 1 service coded on here. My insurance even asked “what services were provided? There is nothing listed. She wasn’t sick. This basically says she came in to meet the dr for no reason and that costs $750.” It’s sad because the doctor was kind and made me feel like I might actually receive decent medical care for once in my life. The clinic made me lose any semblance of hope for that and it will take a lot to get me to go to the dr now."

"My visit was great!! I only waited maybe 15 minutes past my appointment time, which is fantastic compared to many other offices I've been it! Dr. Bitner was wonderful!! She took her time and I really got the sense she cares about her patients! I would highly recommend their office!!"

"This was my first time with Dr. Bitner and it was a great experience. Very easy to talk too and thorough with responses to questions. I did not feel rushed like most doctor visits are. I am happy that I chose to start seeing Dr. Bitner for all my health and medical needs."

"Dr.Bitner is a knowledgeable doctor. She takes her time to answer all of the questions that I have. I appreciate her being willing to explain things to me and making suggestions as to what I can do to move forward with my many health issues. I definitely recommend her as a Primary Care Physician!"

"Dr. Bitner cares and it shows. She patiently reviewed my health history and listened/addressed all of my questions during my initial visit. It was comforting to see how attentive she was and she made me feel like I had a partner in my health care. She was non-judgmental yet candid, and most importantly didn’t pretend that she knew it all. She promptly ordered some health screenings that my previous doctors had missed. The entire office staff were great, from the reception to the nurse. So thankful for finding Dr. Bitner and this office."