Yea - A Good One For The Claimant

[carlie]

In Nov 2010 - I was away from my home state, wound up getting a

little bit under the weather and feeling crummy. This went on for a couple of days

and then I ended up being transported (via ambulance) to a VAMC - ER

for some treatment.

When I arrived back home I got a bill for the ambulance and submitted it to VA exactly as VA

instructed me to do (over the phone). Well, I just kept getting bills - over and over.

So I start raising a stink with VA as I finally figured out I was provided with mis-information

from the get-go.

I just found out the VA finally paid the ambulance bill on 8/26/2011.

This, of course is way after the account had been turned over to a collection agency,

which probably has some effect on my impecable credit and FICO scores, but I have not

even checked.

For anyone reading this that might find themselves in a similar situation some day,

DO NOT submit ambulance bills to Fee Basis - submit ambulance bills to Beneficiary Travel

at the facility that you were transported to. VA is real firm that you only have 30 days

from the date of transport provided (or date of billing) to do this. If not - you will have a very

difficult time in getting them to pay the ambulance bill, if you get them to pay it at all.

JMHO

[justrluk]

Glad I haven't had to deal with this, but great to know.

[Jerrel]

Thank you Carlie this is so good info to know...

[jbasser]

The Ambulance company most likely gets a very reduced rate if paid by the VA. That is why the pressed to get you to pay the full fare. The knew this and played dumb.

Just think of how many people actually pay the full fare.

Just another Medical Racket.

J

[usmc89]

Thanks For the Info!

[john999]

VA here in Tampa Bay area has had a policy of diverting ambulances to non-VA hospitals. Then they try and refuse payment for treatment.