Heart Hospital Of Austin

On Dec 21, 2009 I paid HHA an out of pocket fee of $199 for a 42 slice CT scan of my chest and heart ("Heartsaver CT"). I was told emphatically that it was not covered by insurance, despite my health plan, Tricare's insistence that it is. I was promised by HHA when I made the appointment that I would receive a receipt that would enable me to file a claim myself. When I paid for the procedure and asked for the receipt, I was told that it was not available or possible. When I insisted, I was told that I was making trouble.



TriCare informs me that HHA is a network provider, and is required by their contract with Tricare to file claims on behalf of patients who are treated by them. HHA has to date (12/31/09) not responded to my attempts to gain assurance that they will file a claim.



This is not an acceptable practice--it is called "balance billing", and has been identified by the insurance industry as a way for health providers to collect more than is assigned to them under contract. It is not only a contract violation, it is highly unethical. I will not be doing business with HHA until they file a proper claim with Tricare and refund the excess charges which I paid at the time of service.

Was in and out in less than an hour. Great staff and efficient operations!