I am from Denver Colorado. I traveled over 850 miles to visit this so-called world-class provider. I contacted them in early February 2024 to set up an appointment with a Neuro-Surgeon (Dr. Ali Turkmani). The first call I had with them we spent 15-20 minutes talking about intake and insurance. I was placed on hold for about 15 minutes to verify my insurance was accepted. The gal I spoke with confirmed it was. I was then directed to open a patient portal to provide and upload my medical records (there were an excessive amount- particularly MRI scans). I overnighted the MRI discs and uploaded all of the other medical records needed. I was constantly having to check in to make sure they received them and that they were being reviewed to see if they could 'offer' (their term) me, an appointment. They called me after a little more than 2 weeks, on 3/19/24) saying they had set my appointment with Dr. Turmani for 4/2. As soon as they notified me, I booked my plane tickets. Then they called me 1 day later saying the had made a mistake and that the appointment would have to be changed to 4/3. I told them my plane tickets were already purchased (non-refundable), they would not be flexible and keep the original appointment. and they told me I would not be meeting with Dr. Trukmani, but a nurse instead. I had to change my ticket. I arrived in Phoenix 4/2. My appointment was reset on 4/3 at 7:45AM. I arrived at least 30 minutes early and checked in. I sat in the waiting room for at least 40 minutes, then someone called my name and said I would have to go to the business office. I did, a gentleman took me into his office and said, I would have to give them a deposit of $5,000 right there, and that my insurance was not accepted. EXCUSE ME?!! $5,000 to see a nurse? Why are you just telling me this now? I asked why no one said anything when I checked in, instead of making me wait another 40-45 minutes to be told to go to the business office. ? I was then sent to the Patient Experience Office (which ought to tell you something - that they would even need such a place)! The gal (Casi), while nice, was incredibly unhelpful. She said they tried to call and left me vm's (on 4/1 and 4/2) which they said, I didn't return. Funny thing is, when I showed my incoming phone call log to her, she could not explain why nothing was showing. I asked that she provide me with written documentation that these calls were made. She flat out refused, saying "this is private documentation of the hospital!" Okay, yeah right. Another funny thing, I have email documentation dated 4/2 giving me an UPDATED "good-faith" quote, that does not say anything about my insurance not being accepted and it was NO WHERE NEAR THAT $5,000 deposit they demanded!!!! I traveled a total of over 1,700 miles, spent two days off of work, and incurred significant expenses. Now they are going to face a legal problem. These people need to be sued civilly and charged criminally for fraud and attempted extortion. Them being world-class, hardly! I pity you if you are traveling to seek treatment from these miscreants. FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE TO GO, THIS PLACE IS EPOCHLY HORRIBLE!!!!
Update: It has been verified by my carrier Aetna, and the plan I have, the Mayo Clinic is 100% (all locations) in-network! Also, I have verified call logs from my cell phone carrier, that NO phone calls were made to my number on 4/1 and 4/2! They did not call me as they had asserted.