River Ridge Dermatolo

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Absolutely the worst dermatologist I have EVER been to. I had an appointment and was prescribed a specific medicine that requires monthly visits but decided to wait a month to start that medicine because I wanted to wait until my insurance deductible started over. They made me an appointment for that following month. When I arrived I thought I would be starting the medicine they had prescribed me the month before but then the doctor said she didn't want to give me that medicine and prescribed another medicine. I had already tried that medicine several times before at another dermatologist and it did not work but MELANIE SCHANO did not care and would not prescribe the original medicine. I told her I was upset and did not think I should be charged for that visit because I didn't come there for that medicine I came for what I was originally diagnosed with the month before, if I had known I wouldn't be receiving that treatment then I would not have came to that appointment. She said she understood and told me since I thought I was coming there for something else then she would not be billing me. She said this several times throughout the visit and then just to make sure I asked her again "I won't be receiving a bill right?" and she said "No, you shouldn't receive a bill if you do just call and we will get it straightened out". That was the VERY LAST thing she told me before she walked out the door. 3 months later I receive a bill. I call and am put on the phone with Melanie Schano, she said she "thoroughly explained to me at my last office visit that since she wrote me a prescription and sent it to my pharmacist (for the medicine I did not want) that that meant I would be billed". She absolutely NEVER ONCE told me that at my office visit, and she told me multiple times throughout the visit I would not be billed, that was the very last thing she said to me before she walked out the door. Her response to me telling her that was "oh i don't recall ever saying that to you and I'm sorry if you misunderstood." Then she tried to say she didn't have the authority to tell me I wouldn't be receiving a bill and that it goes against all of their procedures so why would she ever say that to me? Then she asked if I would want to talk to the office manager and I reluctantly agreed even though I know she would be talking to him and coaching him and he would inevitably agree with her. After talking to the office manager, explaining everything from the beginning to the end, he tells me the same stuff she said and tells me he absolutely "WILL NOT" write this bill off and I WILL be receiving a bill. So in conclusion, this office may seem professional and like they care about their patients, but it is just about money to them and the doctors and office managers will do whatever it takes to get your money even if that means lying straight to your face. I hope they take the $78.31 and choke on it.