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Can I dispute a vet bill??

post #1 of 12
9/1/10 at 6:46am
Thread Starter 
My cat Meatloaf has had horrible diarrhea, weight loss and hair loss.

I took her to the vet Saturday saying she had horrible diarrhea, weight loss and hair loss.

The vet charged me
Capstar 35.00
Maropitant 55.00
Convenia 68.00

This didn't address her diarrhea.
She has had diarrhea several times a day since. They told me there was nothing they could do for her diarrhea because I couldn't afford $78.00 for a fecal test.

I'm having to take her to a second veterinarian which will cost me more money.
I'm furious with this vet. How can they charge so much and not do anything for my cat?

Can I dispute it? I am angry.

edit: By the way, the fecal test at the second vet is $9
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post #2 of 12
9/1/10 at 6:59am
$78 for a fecal? Something is wrong here, and yes I would dispute this bill. but do get Meatloaf to the other vet first..

A capstar at my vet is $6.

A fecal is $13.30

What was the convenia for?

I can't comment on the fee of the anti-emetic but I bet it's outrageously inflated too.

Doesn't seem like they even gave her fluids for dehydration? It amazes me that such incompetence and gouging can stay in business.

You can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, there may be other complaints against them already.
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post #3 of 12
9/1/10 at 7:51am
My vet forgets to charge for fecals and I haven't seen a charge for convenia yet (Blann just had one the other day).

Time for a new vet. I'm sorry you found someone who's obviously desperate for money so much that they make BS inflation on the prices.

Get another vet, and I would even ask for a moment of their time to ask them what they think of such prices for your area. If you have other clinics around, ask them too. Include this is any complaint you make.
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post #4 of 12
9/1/10 at 9:14am
Just another thought if you paid with a credit card call the company up as they may be able to help.
I never heard of a fecal over 15 in a few vets I have used in NJ. And capstar I never used but wow I'd be VERY ANGRY!!!
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post #5 of 12
9/1/10 at 3:28pm
That is awful! I would absolutely call them and tell them that you've found out that the treatments they gave you are MUCH cheaper at other vets, and you're wondering if they can refund some of your money so that you can afford to treat your sick cat.

I think you have to play the sympathy card a bit, because otherwise they are, unfortunately, not obligated to refund you at all. Disputing with the credit card company won't work, because that is only for fraudulent charges.

I totally sympathize with you- I took my animals to Banfield for awhile, and I had no idea how expensive they are. I'm so grateful that I recently started going to the low-cost veterinary mission associated with the shelter where I got my first cat- SO much cheaper than any other vet in the area. Can you see if something like that exists anywhere near you? Also, a caring vet may be willing to work out a payment plan with you.
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post #6 of 12
9/1/10 at 3:50pm
Goodness gracious. I'm sorry to hear this. That is outrageous. Capstar at my OLD vet was about 6 bucks so I have no idea where they get 35 dollars from. That is absolutely ridiculous. If they are associated with the BBB I would absolutely contact the BBB.
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post #7 of 12
9/1/10 at 4:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snickerdoodle View Post
Goodness gracious. I'm sorry to hear this. That is outrageous. Capstar at my OLD vet was about 6 bucks so I have no idea where they get 35 dollars from. That is absolutely ridiculous. If they are associated with the BBB I would absolutely contact the BBB.
Yeah, that's a good point. Maybe also Angie's List.
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post #8 of 12
9/1/10 at 6:04pm
Heck, knowing what I went through and continue to go through with Boo, I'd march up there with my receipts and ask them right then to explain why a Capstar was that much (Did they charge you for pilling the cat themselves? I'd be expecting an answer like that) and the other charges as well.
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post #9 of 12
9/1/10 at 7:13pm
Just curious, do they charge more because it's the weekend?
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post #10 of 12
9/1/10 at 7:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ummm View Post
Just curious, do they charge more because it's the weekend?
They better not have if it was within normal operating hours. It would be rotten of them otherwise.
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post #11 of 12
9/1/10 at 8:32pm
I know that here in NC, our Veterinary Medical Board does NOT deal with fee disputes, so that is most likely not the answer. But I would certainly go up there and confront them on this and ask them to explain each charge in full. Because I'm still gaping wide eyed at those prices. Geesh!
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post #12 of 12
9/1/10 at 8:34pm
Was this a chain vet?
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