Complaints

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:03/21/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore 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 summoned an ambulance on August 2, 2022. Due to my comprehensive health insurance, I wouldn't be responsible for an ambulance charge.Succinctly: I was advised that due to my address, an ambulance was dispatched to my house "out of the network"; thus, billing would be handled differently. I contacted Personal Choice, and I was advised that the payment for this ambulance ride would be handled in a different manner; Personal Choice would send a check for $525 (which I forwarded to the ambulance company); and then **** (*******************************) would pay the remaining balance (I spoke to ****, and I was informed the same ...**** ************************************* Phila Pa ***** ************).I have received numerous calls from this ambulance company, and I informed them over, and over again, HOW to resolve this issue. I forwarded the check MONTHS ago! At times, health issues would not allow me to correspond with these people; yet, I have informed these people time, and time again that I am not responsible for this balance. I have given the last three operators the information, they needed to resolve this matter. These people are ridiculous.Now, this company is using a collection company to harass me. I received quite a few calls from these people; and I believe they are scam artists. This company is called: ****************************************** **************************** West Reading PA, *********** ************ Thank you for your assistance.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/29/2023

  BBB 
  1880 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1330
  Philadelphia, PA. 19103
  

  Complaint ID ********

  
  

  Dear Sir/Madam,

  Because we represent the communities which we provide 911 emergency services, Friendship Ambulance takes patient concerns and complaints about our services and the billing for those services very seriously. 

  In reviewing this situation at no time did the complainant contact our ambulance service directly to advise of his difficulties. If the patient had contacted Friendship Ambulance (me specifically) directly, this situation would have been mitigated and not reached a level such as this! 

  *********** ********* ******** is our billing and collections partner and is a legitimate business attempting to reach the patient in accordance with laws and regulations. The attempts to reach the patient is so we may assist in getting his open balance with us resolved.  They are not a scam, nor is the balance of $1,314.94, which they are responsible to recover on our behalf.  

  *********** may have been able to do more detective work in order to go above and beyond to resolve this issue for the patient; however, they followed proper billing protocols which resulted in failed communications with the patient.  Medical billing is complicated and communication between patients, their insurance providers, and billing agents is not always clear.

  I've been able to confirm with *********** representatives that using the information provided within the patients complaint to the BBB, a claim was made on his behalf and the *** *********** Health Benefit fund  will issue payment directly to the patient in the amount of $1,314.94 within 10-14 business days.  It is the patients responsibility to forward that payment to us at 269 Green St. Royersford, PA 19468 to resolve his open account.  Failure to do so will result in additional attempts to recover the balance.  

  *********** will place this account on hold for 30 days

  Respectfully Submitted,

  *****************************

  EMS Director/Operations Chief