Over a month ago, I had to take my basset to the vet for siezures. It was after hours so the bill was a little hefty. There were tests (Cmp, Liver, CBC) as well as medications (doggie vicodin) in addition to the cost of the ER visit. As we just moved, we were not in their records and the vet wrote everything down on paper, including our debit card number so that we could be charged the 250.00. Well, the charge never came through and I have called twice a week every week to see what is going on. The first time I called, our dog had been inputed into the system but no charges were pending! It was like the visit never existed! While I would have loved to leave it at that (there is so much more I could do with 250 bucks!), I was worried that maybe the debit card number had been written down wrong and that maybe some poor unsuspecting person got charged and I couldn't let that happen!
I always get the 'I will check on it and call you back' but for 4 weeks, it hasn't happened, and I am STILL floating that 250.00! How long do I have to float that money and how many MORE (been 9 already) times should I call the vet office to try and get them to debit my account?
Skipping out on the bill really is the last thing on my mind. I hope that was clear and everyone sees that!
I also know how lucky I am price wise. I about died when I read the last couple of vet bill posts!
I'm going to leave right now, march over to the vet office, and DEMAND they take my money! No ifs, ands or buts about it! LOL!
If I was that vet I would be ticked that my office or billing manager was so lackadaisical, especially in this economy. Good grief.
You have been so honorable - way to go. I don't blame you for being aggravated.
I would withdraw the money, take a drive over to the vet's office & pay it in cash. GET A RECEIPT, and speak with a manager to get assurance that they will not at some point in the future hit your debit card with the charge again.
The float really isn't costing you much if you'd just put into a regular savings account (interest rates are nil) so I'd leave it there to be safe but I also wouldn't keep calling or do anything else. You've been more than honest and upfront and at this point, it's their problem. I'm sure you'd like to spend the money now but figure it's a good Xmas bonus if by then they still haven't charged you.
Since you know that you own then $250.00 I'd just pull the money out, drive on over, and pay your bill. Obviously it's their error at not putting it in the system however you really aren't entitled to free care since they actually provided a service.
On a side note our after hour vet puts a $1,000.00 hold on your credit card when you walk in the door. I've never seen anyone get out with a bill under $500.00. So I'd say your vet charges are reasonable.
Do you have overdraft? If so put it into savings and forget about it. If not balance your checkbook as if it wasn't there to tempt you.
Maybe send them a check and be done with it?
:)
I would send a letter with the visit info and maybe copy of the receipt. In the letter ask them to call you for the charge information. That might get them to act. Do not provide the charge info in the letter just in case. Calling has not done any good and may just be put to the side and forgotten once again.
They can legally charge you 90 days after the date if they realize the mistake. After that if they charge you I believe you can fight it. I know this is true in most cases in the state of WA but you could call your bank if you're wondering what their stance is on it. The other option is to take the $250 cash (Can I just say as a pet owner that was a SUPER cheap vet bill for an after hours emergency with meds and tests ran, you're lucky!!!) to them and get it over with so you'll stop worrying about it.
I think you should send them something in writing.
Bottom line is you owe the money, so don't go out and spend it.
But they have a responsibility to bill you already.
Take a check to the office and pay them directly. Make sure while you're there that you won't be double charged.
