Expert: Ray A Miller - 12/15/2008

Question
I had my wisdom teeth pulled in July 2008.  I paid my estimated portion (around $350) up front.  I received a notice that I owed roughly $1000, but my insurance was pending.  A month or so later, I received another notice that said I now owe $288.  I called the doctor's office and they said that my insurance didn't pay that amount and it was my responsibility to find out why.  So I called my insurance company and they said there were no x-rays submitted with my claim.  So I called my doctor's office back and told them this new information and asked them to submit them.
I received another notice shortly thereafter and I called the doctor's office and got their answering service.   I assumed my insurance just hadn't paid yet so I didn't feel it was urgent that I speak to a representative anyway.
I received my third notice and it said I was being turned over to collections immediately if this debt was not paid in full.  So I called my insurance company and they said they received the X-rays and the claim is still being processed.  So I wrote an e-mail to the lady who signed the letter stating that it was in process and that I didn't understand why I kept getting notices when I've been in contact with them and they know I'm waiting on my insurance company to reprocess the X-rays they didn't send...it's not like I"m trying to avoid them.
So she calls me this morning telling me that I have not contacted her prior to the e-mail (which is untrue)because there is no note on my account, so I'm being turned over to collections anyway.  As I told her, I'm not sure if it was her, specifically, that I spoke with, but someone there re-submitted the X-rays per my request so I had to have spoken with someone.
So she tells me that she shows no record of speaking with me and I should have contacted her before now so I'm going to collections in January unless I pay the bill in full.  She then tells me that if my insurance pays the claim, she will reimburse me.  I explain to her that it is 2 weeks before Christmas and I have 3 kids, can she send me a note in January telling me what portion my insurance did not pay and I'll pay it then because I just don't have $288 to spare right now.
She tells me no, that she sent me 3 notices and that's all she's required to do.  In January I'll be turned over to collections...period.
My question is this...what is the minimum amount I can pay them to keep me from going to collections?  I'm in Louisiana, if that makes any difference.  Thank you.

Answer
I am sorry to tell you that the only ones that can set up a minimum payment would be the Dentist Office.  This does seem rather harsh of them but, dentist have a hard time getting paid.  If I were you, I would ride the insurance company until they pay.  Call them everyday if you have to and explain what is about to happen and let them know that you do not think the Louisiana Department of Insurance would think this is good business practices; and they don't.  Louisiana has some tough laws for insurance companies and collection agencies.  As I said, call them and write them everyday until this is resolved.

One other thought is to call the Office Manager at the Dentist Office and plead your case.  I would think they would want to keep your business especially since you have three kids and dental insurance.  I know if I were a dentist, you would be my target customer.  In any case, I wish you well with this matter and do not let it ruin your Christmas.