The story below both amused me and made me despair as a former accountant!
As some of you may know I had my first appointment with an EP at Papworth privately late in August. On arrival, I had to fill in a few forms and make a payment there and then for his fee and a ECG. Amount was £275 Consultant and £82 for ECG. Paid by card at private patients reception and told an invoice acknowledging payment would be sent later.
Wednesday I receive a invoice from Papworth Hospital NHS FT, Wakefield demanding £275 for consultation, payment must be within 14 days. Phone call made, invoice no given, I told him I had paid on the date of appointment, exactly who I paid, the date and time of transaction and that it also included £82 for ECG total payment £375. The operator had the invoice up on his screen and said yes he could see that.
This morming I get another invoice clearing consultants payment but now asking for £82 in 14 days for payment of ECG!!!!!! What a cock up and waste of time and money, another phone call to be made on Monday.
If their simple accounts can make such silly mistakes goodness knows what the large financial accounting departments of the NHS are like.
Accountants hat gone back in cupboard now!
Cassie
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cassie46
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I have received 6 letters from the local hospital in the past month. I usually have a check up with the Cardiologist in December. They sent an appointment for September. I rang twice to cancel and then to confirm cancellation. This resulted in 2 further September appointments, both received on the same day. I rang again and then received 3 separate cancellation letters.
Will I get my December appointment? Doubtful !!!!!!!
I totally despair of all hospital administration, especially appointments. Sent me a letter with an appointment for MRI scan - after waiting 4 months for NHS appointment as it was none urgent - of course they sent the letter when I was on holiday for appointment 2 days hence - still on holiday.
By the time I returned I had not phoned them with a cancellation so registered as a 'no show'. 1 strike. Similar thing happened about 2 weeks later for another appointment at another department - 2 strikes. So I was then sent a letter saying if I missed another appointment I would be struck off the hospital patient register!
They also informed my GP practice who left numerous telephone messages and text messages. I was furious. Sent complaint in writing to hospital, consultant and explanation to my GP, who is really on the ball and supported me by sending a stinking letter to the appointments manager, who then spoke to my consultant who was very apologetic when I saw him.
I understand the appointments system is abut to be changed so that the departments can make their own appointments, by telephoning the patient - simples!
Hence I have absolutely no faith in what the notes say, again learned through experience.
I would recommend everyone to ensure you receive copies of every single letter between your GP and consultant - you need to register at the hospital and at your GP surgery.
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