Yuma Sonoma Oral and Facial Surgery Sucks

"64-Year-Old Local Man Denied Emergency Dental Care, Threatened with Collections by Vengeful Office Manager Over Fraudulent Bill, Leaving Broken Molar Neglected!"

A few weeks back, I experienced a dental emergency when one of my molars deteriorated to the point where it nearly split in half, necessitating extraction due to decay.

Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery required a referral from a dentist due to insurance protocols.

Upon seeing a dentist, I was referred for the necessary extraction.

I immediately made arrangements with Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery for the procedure

I was then contacted by them the following week, the day before my procedure, informing me of an outstanding balance on my account and the need for me to make a payment.

Frustrated and caught off guard, I explained my inability to make any payment at that time.

Upon arriving the next day for my extraction, I found myself in a lengthy dispute over the unpaid balance with the office manager, Darcy Laurel.

Eventually, I was informed by Darcy that the doctor had decided against performing the extraction following a closed-door discussion with her.

My repeated requests to speak with the doctor were denied by Darcy, citing his busy schedule.

I then composed a letter, expressing my grievances.

I am extremely disappointed with my recent experience at Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery.

Several weeks ago, I made an appointment for a tooth extraction consultation, which took place last week.

I was then scheduled for the extraction today.

Yesterday, I received a call asking if I could reschedule for an hour earlier.

However, I was also informed about an outstanding balance on my account, which I was asked to pay when I came in.

This is the first time I'm hearing about this.

I was told 9 months ago my insurance would cover everything.

The past due balance is apparently for an exam and X-ray.

It’s baffling that a clinic like this is unaware that my Arizona State Insurance, AHCCCS, does not cover exams or x-rays.

Then, the office manager, Darcy Laurel, came out and quickly exacerbated the situation.

I felt she was rude and belittling, aggressively debating the issue with me and my inability to pay today.

She disappeared to the back for an extended period and then informed me that the doctor decided not to perform my tooth extraction today.

I called the insurance company to understand the situation better.

They explained that the code used for the evaluation is not covered and the x-ray claim was returned noting the lack of documentation.

They suggested resubmitting the claim with the correct code and including the proper documentation.

It’s astonishing that Darcy, who claims to be an office manager of 14 years, wouldn’t know these basic insurance details.

I have dealt with her three times now, and each time has been a regrettable experience.

Given that this is the only oral surgeon in the Yuma area that accepts this insurance, my options are very limited.

What's really going on?

Derived from my years of experience and knowledge, extensive investigative research, firsthand visual observations, and written documentation, my empirical evidence and inductive reasoning suggest that the following allegations are true:

“Following a tooth extraction last year, I cancelled a follow-up appointment that had been adamantly forced upon me by the office manager, Darcy Laurel, which led to her submitting an incomplete and fraudulent dental claim on my behalf that was subsequently returned unpaid, thus leaving my account in arrears.”

This action was clearly motivated by personal vengeance

... as evidenced by the subsequent attempt to impose an unjust fee with threats of collections, ultimately resulting in the denial of emergency dental services.

EXTORTION!

"The unlawful acquisition of money, property, or services through threats or coercion, often involving intimidation or manipulation."

Such behavior is not only criminal, but also undermines trust in the professionalism and integrity of the medical profession.

Swift action is necessary to rectify this situation and uphold the principles of fairness and ethical conduct within this office.

June 5, 2024

Seeking Legal Assistance for Dental Care Issue in Yuma, AZ

Hello, my name is XXXXXXX (AI assisted).

I hope this message finds you well.

I am reaching out with a pressing matter that requires urgent attention.

Recently, a distressing incident occurred involving a local business in our community, which demands legal intervention.

"A 64-year-old local resident was subjected to an extortion scheme by a vengeful office manager, resulting in a series of unjust actions that have left him in a dire situation.

Despite requiring immediate emergency dental care for a broken molar, he was denied treatment and threatened with collections due to a fraudulent bill orchestrated by this individual."

This egregious behavior has not only caused immense physical discomfort and distress to me but has also led to the neglect of a critical medical issue that requires immediate attention.

Given the severity of this situation, I am actively seeking legal assistance to address this matter.

It is imperative that we act swiftly to rectify the injustices that have been inflicted.

If you or your firm specialize in cases of this nature or have the expertise to provide guidance in navigating such legal complexities, I would greatly appreciate your support and counsel in this matter.

Please let me know at your earliest convenience if you are available to intervene in this matter or if you can recommend a reputable attorney in the Yuma or Phoenix area.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXXX

• Why has there been no effort to collect this debt for nine months?
• What was so incredibly crucial that demanded instant payment then and now?
• To the extent that emergency dental care was flat-out denied!
• the BILL shows an entry for Wednesday, August 16, 2023 code D9986 Missed Appointment $00.00
• This was not missed. I called early Monday morning, August 14, 2023, two days before the appointment, to notify them;

“I did not want this appointment in the first place, and you couldn't pay me 20 bucks to come back! I will not be there Wednesday.”

The response: “I don't think you can do that. Please hold while I talk with the office manager.”

“Click!” I'm not going to hold, much less talk with your office manager.

• Why not just go back you ask?
• I have spent hours sitting in those chairs waiting.
• Or maybe the mere thought of seeing, or even worse, talking with Darcy is deterrent enough to keep me away.
• On the day of my 1st extraction, Wednesday, August 9, 2023, as I was trying to leave, Darcy and I debated for quite some time about me coming back the following week for a post-op check-up.
• This debate with Darcy, and like all other since, became heated and took place on the customer side of the front desk, within full view of other patients and staff.
• Darcy has repeatedly embarrassed and belittled me in front of others on multiple occasions.
• I was told on 2 different extractions that my Arizona State Insurance (AHCCCS) should cover everything.
• They are the only Oral Surgeon within 125 miles of Yuma that accepts AHCCCS insurance!
• How many AHCCCS claims have they done over the years?
• How could they get this wrong?
• This was a basic no problem, no sedation tooth extraction.
• Short and sweet, no complications, easy 15-minute job.
• Why no flags when claim was returned unpaid?
• Why did they not fix and re-submit claim per insurers instructions?
• What was different about my exam?
• Why are others being covered by AHCCCS for same procedure?
• How many insurance claims are not being paid?
• Is the issue specific only to AHCCCS-insured clients?
• Are other claims being denied because of incomplete forms with erroneous code numbers?
• How many other clients are being extorted due to fraudulent billing?

Investigative reporting uncovers extortion operation at popular local dental provider

Recently, a 64-year-old gentleman from the foothills area fell victim to an extortion scheme orchestrated by Yuma Sonoma Oral and Facial Surgery staff.

The office manager, Darcy Laurel, allegedly filed a fraudulent insurance claim on the patient's behalf, intentionally ensuring its denial. As a result, the patient's account went into arrears without his knowledge.

Nine months later, the patient needs emergency dental work done. The day before the appointment he is informed of the outstanding balance.

Ms. Laurel refused to provide emergency dental services, and threatened to send the account to collections, unless an immediate payment was made.

The shocking twist? This entire situation was premeditated.

Ms. Laurel, boasting 14 years of expertise as an office manager, had neatly crafted this extortion scheme during the previous visit.

She ultimately denied his emergency dental services for that day and sent the patient home with his broken molar untreated and still in need of extraction. An unjust past-due dental bill was also likely headed to collections.

The patient had undergone a similar procedure a few months earlier, during which time he had an unpleasant exchange with Ms. Laurel. She adamantly insisted on scheduling him for a follow-up appointment, which he later canceled.

Allegedly seeking revenge for the canceled appointment and demonstrating her obvious contempt for the individual, Ms. Laurel filed a fraudulent claim with the insurer.

An Arizona State Insurance (AHCCCS) dental claim agent confirmed that the exam was denied due to an unbillable code, and the x-ray was rejected due to a missing document.

An investigation is now underway to determine if this is an isolated incident or part of a deeper pattern of misconduct.

Those with similar experiences should reach out to the Yuma County Prosecutors Office.

It seems I may need an attorney to intervene in this matter. I will pay the $140 bill in cash. In exchange, I expect to receive all necessary documents required for filing the claim with the insurer myself.

[Update: June 13, 2024]
My insurance carrier contacted Darcy at Yuma Sonoma Oral Surgery to inquire into the issue with my unpaid dental claim. The insurance agent informed me the clinic had written off my alleged debt and removed me from their client list.

I am no longer welcomed it appears.

P.S. Unfortunately, I still need a tooth extraction :(