My Ob/gyn recently retired, so when we found out that we were expecting again, I was literally shopping for a doctor to deliver my baby in August. I'd had a good relationship with my now-retired ob/gyn and wanted a similar rapport with my next one.
My husband did his research, and we decided to try to meet Dr Alisa Ward of Centennial obgyn at Baylor, Frisco - given her "compassionate doctor recognition", I was hoping she would be the one!!
We called during Christmas week, and made an appointment - for Jan 14th, 2 PM.
Then on Jan 13th, at 5:18 PM (less than 24 hours to my appointment), I got an email from Karen B stating that I would be required to "pre-pay" for the delivery. And since the "pre-pay" would happen before the services were rendered, I would have to put it on my credit card and not on my HSA, and then claim re-imbursement after the delivery.
Wanted to clarify, so I called centennial, but got the recorded message saying it was after hours. So I decided to clear this up when I go to see the Dr. Ward the next day.
When I checked in the next day, here is what happened:
1. The front desk person charged me for the first visit + ultrasound - which had not happened yet. Every other doctor I've visited, I've seen the doctor before I've been asked to pay. Red flag??
2. I then expressed my concern about the pre-pay - saying that I haven't even met Dr. Ward, so I am not sure I want to commit to paying for the delivery upfront right now.
After waiting for about 35 minutes, another girl from their staff calls me inside, and says that she has spoken to the doctor about my concerns, and the doctor says that "since you don't agree with our policies, it'd be best if you find another doctor."
That's right - I was turned away because I was apprehensive about paying north of $1,500/- without meeting the doctor.
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