Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Long Island Weight Loss Institute, Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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Long Island Weight Loss Institute, Inc. has 2 locations, listed below.

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  Long Island Weight Loss Institute, Inc.

  329 E Main St Ste 9 Smithtown, NY 11787-2831

• 

  Long Island Weight Loss Institute, Inc.

  2578 Hempstead Turnpike East Meadow, NY 11554

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/30/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was charged for an EKG that was not needed. I had to pay $200 as a new client. I never even got to see a doctor. After 4 weeks of people not following up with me not getting a prescription I decided not to go back to the company. Everyone I dealt with look like they were just out of school. They could have easily as my doctor for my EKG which I just had but they refused to do the request and told me to do it even though I signed off on it. The service was horrible I'm out all this money already and I'm asking you to reverse this charge.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/30/2024

  This was a patient who came in for initial consultation at the Long Island weight loss Institute in *********** on 3/1/2024. Patient was well aware of the fees and signed all documents agreeing to the fees and the services rendered. She was seen and evaluated by a physician assistant taking up well over one hour for her office visit. Vitals were taken, a history and physical exam was performed along with an EKG. She had a full body composition analysis consisting of a 4 page report which describes her total body weight, fat weight, fat percentage, water weight, water percentage and muscle mass using bioelectrical impedance technology. Our physician assistant also went over her BMI and resting metabolism, and came up with a comprehensive plan which included a diet plan along with prescription medication for weight loss. Patient was prescribed a medication which was sent to her pharmacy electronically, however her insurance did not cover her for it. It should be noted, this is a medication that is in high demand and there have been nationwide shortages which can cause a delay in getting this medication filled. After patient called complaining she would not be covered for the first medication (within 12 days of her initial visit), an alternative medication was suggested and prescribed for the patient, however she did not want to take this secondary medication, even though it would be another great option for the patient given her medical history. Unfortunately, this was also cost prohibitive. At this point she was now willing to pay out of pocket for the original medication, however she was given the runaround at the pharmacy because they would not accept a coupon for it. Patient finally gave up, and decided she would no longer continue with our services.

  All new patients are told before their initial consultation that if any portion of the visit is not covered by insurance, they would be responsible for that cost. We have all of her signatures and initials agreeing to this. Patient received an additional bill for just over $202 (the portion of the medical visit insurance did not cover,) but refused to pay it since she felt she was not helped at all with her weight loss. Our services cannot possibly guarantee coverage for medication nor can it guarantee coverage for medical services rendered. If this documentation, with her personal information is required to settle this dispute, it can and will be furnished. This will show a signed agreement between the patient and our establishment of more than 22 years. Patient was well aware of the cost and agreed to be treated. It is very likely she is more frustrated with her insurance coverage, rather than our fees or services. I am certain if she were able to get her medication filled at the pharmacy, she would still be a happy patient of our establishment today, like the many thousands and thousands of patients we have treated over the years. It should also be noted, I did call and speak with the patient today (5/30/2024) for over 30 minutes to come up with a fair resolution, however patient mentioned some financial issues with her job, and changes to her current medical insurance as of June 1st 2024, which likely exacerbated her frustration. The conversation ended with her screaming at me over the phone about the charges being too much and then hanging up.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/31/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because

  Your phone call was antagonizing and obnoxious.  "You want to make me happy", great reverse the charge, lessen it, even apologize would be nice I received nothing.  Yes, I did yell because I was made to repeat myself several times.  I was not frustrated with my situation I was going from a bad one to a better one.  Your office assumed I would not pay out of pocket for the medication.  My requests were ignored.  I was told to send an EKG to your office but when I said I would you reneged and said it had to be within 3 months.  I get a physical once a year not every three months.  I am sorry but you came off extremely narcissistic.  I am sorry but I find it hard to believe you make little money from new clients when you have many locations and a wait time of several month to even get an appointment.  If you have so many "Happy" clients it would not hurt you to make good on your lack luster service you provided for me.  The lack of communication, miscommunication, and zero follow up should not end with more money out of my pocket.  I paid you $200 at the appointment, and my insurance company also sent you close to $200.  My experience was horrible, the correspondence from you was horrible yet you stand by charging me another $202 and some odd cents.  It is shameful and I am sorry but an A+ BBB business should be able to do better.  This is yet another disappointment of many.  Day after day reaching out to your establishment for help and assistance and now more time wasted having to listen to it is not us it is you conversation that seemed to go on forever.  ugh 

   

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/11/2024

  *****,

  In a true and sincere effort to make you happy, you will not be responsible for paying the remaining portion of your bill. I am sorry you had a poor experience every step of the way. This is not typical. I hope I was able to provide you with a satisfactory resolution to your complaint.

  With warmest regards,

  ***************************************, MD

   

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/09/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************