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I'm so irritated
We switched from our old to another practice over a year and a half ago after Bart and Galileo died because it was far from our current house and the vet who ran it retired and sold the practice to a new guy. The last thing we had done was had Bart and Galileo put down, within a week of eachother. It was traumatic, obviously. And our vet told us he was just going to write off the euthenasias since he was selling the practice and due to how he was doing the paperwork it was just easier to. We were fine with that obviously. let it go. He was also really sad since he had treated both cats for a long time through their illnesses and I think he felt bad about us losing both so close together, over Christmas.
So, today in the mail, i get a letter from the old vet office. I assume it is a "please come back to us" letter since we have heard NOTHING from them this whole time.
No, it is a letter telling me we are in theft of services for non-payment and they are preparing to take legal action against us for 750 dollars. They have also charged us late fees.
You know, I have no problem paying a bill. I am irritated we were told it was square and we have to pay now, obviously. But still, I will pay it.
But what pisses me off is that they have not made a single bit of contact for a year and a half and send a nasty letter, a bill and have been charging us late charges. Can they even do that? I don't know, probably.
And it is making me think about losing Bart again and I am a mess.
Re: I'm so irritated
Ugh, that's super frustrating. I'd be calling them first thing Monday morning. It sounds like they need to contact the old vet and get this worked out. I'd probably also refuse to pay the late charges because they failed to contact you about the bill before now. Good luck.
Caroline 5/15/11
I wouldn't roll over if I were you. That's bullsh*t. If it were me, I'd get myself psyched up and call them, and assertively tell them exactly what the situation was, that after years of treatment for the two animals, you were told that you would not be charged for the euthanizing. And that you do not appreciate being antagonized out of the blue when you were not aware of any outstanding balances, and will not be tolerating them bullying you.
And as someone who loves my kitty more than life and remembers how hard it was for you to lose your beebs, I'm sorry that this brings up those memories.
jens, I want to do that. And knowing me, I will. But at the same time, if this guy bought the practice, saw this one the books with no payment made, then it is what it is. I mean, the services were rendered, so it is not made up charges. I just think it is dishonest to not contact me before now.
And yeah, it would be nice to not have to pay. We just had major costs from the baby, I am switching to part time, we spent major money renovating the house.
Oh yeah, it probably was an honest mistake, but you're exactly right that the way they are handling it is entirely unprofessional. You didn't do anything wrong. I'm really anal about paying bills on time, and getting a letter all "Hey deadbeat, give us money or else!" would really, really bother me.
Hopefully if you call and explain the situation, you'll at the very least get an apology for the sh*tty handling of the situation, and best case scenario they will honor what your old doctor told you and not charge you at all.
damn, i thought you were going to offer to be my lawyer
Ugh, I'm sorry you have to deal with this, Winged. What a crappy way for the vet's office to handle this, especially since I'm sure that they could see what the charges were for.
At the very, very least I would hope they would take off the late charges once you explain the situation.
I would first explain the situation and if they don't agree to wipe out the charges (and they probably won't) then I would tell them that you will absolutely not be paying any late charges since this is the first time they have billed you.
Sorry you have to go through this.
thanks guys!
i finally got a hold of my parents. is it lame i still ask them for advice on what to do?
anyway, i am going to explain things and hope that it gets cleared up, but if not i am going to request an original bill. i have never seen one, obviously, and this one only shows "balance forward" with no itemized charges.
I still ask my parents for advice. And Mike's too, for that matter. They are wise.
I think that's a good plan. I find that when it comes to customer service things like this it pays to swallow your anger and be nicey nice at first, then unleash the fury if they don't comply. I'm sorry it's bringing back such crummy feelings.
oh, I can be all sweetness and light when needed, even when seething inside.
That is how I got my insurance company to pay me 15000 when they said my policy only covered 1500 after weeks on the phone cajoling.
Baby Boxer is coming! 5.23.12
www.focushunting.com
Ugh, my stomach is all twisted and angry for you, Winged. Want us to all start calling, yell "INSENSITIVE PRICKS!" and hang up?
I'm annoyed for you because this guy didn't even perform the euthanizing. I guess going after deadbeat customers is part of the package when you purchase a business, but Christ. Have a little compassion and don't go for the throat! I hope they just wipe out the charges and give you a big apology.
Husbands should be like Kleenex: Soft, strong, and disposable.