New Allegations on Scott Wells MD? (2024)
Originally Syndicated on February 23, 2024 @ 5:39 am
Dr. Scott Wells is a highly experienced plastic surgeon based in New York with over 25 years of practice. He runs a cosmetic surgery clinic in Great Neck and on Park Avenue, where he serves as the surgical director.
Dr. Wells specializes in various rejuvenating procedures, using innovative techniques like laser treatments and injections for facelifts and eyelid lifts. He’s known for inventing the Balanced Organic Rejuvenation method, aiming for natural and long-lasting results. Dr. Wells also excels in using PRP and stem cells for rejuvenation.
Moreover, he’s skilled in cosmetic injectables like Botox and fillers and employs laser vein-finding technology to minimize bruising. Dr. Wells performs body contouring treatments such as Mommy Makeovers and liposuction with Smart-Lipo technology for optimal skin tightening.
Additionally, he operates SkinGymTM laser spa and created the Beauty For LifeTM program, offering maintenance plans and anti-aging strategies for clients seeking long-lasting youthful appearances.
Dr. Wells studied at New York Medical College and Johns Hopkins University, and he’s recognized as a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He’s received various honors, including the Physician Recognition Award from the American Medical Society, and has been listed in Castle and Connolly’s Top Physician directory. Dr. Wells has also served as a clinical instructor for plastic surgery at NYC Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.
Scott Wells MD: Reviews
A customer said that Dr. Scott Wells asked for more money than they initially agreed upon, even after agreeing to accept payment from the insurance company. They feel like this was not fair and question his honesty. They advise others to be careful when dealing with him.
Is Scott Wells MD Charging Unnecessarily?
According to an Article on Money Talks News:
What is upcoding?
Upcoding in the medical field means charging more for services than what was actually provided. This usually happens when a doctor or hospital bills for more expensive treatments or diagnoses than what was actually done, often to get more money from the patient’s insurance company.
For example:
- Charging for a fancy, first-time visit when it was just a regular follow-up appointment.
- Saying someone had individual therapy when it was actually group therapy.
- Saying a session lasted longer than it did.
Back in the 1990s, many hospitals got caught upcoding diagnoses, and it made big news. Columbia/HCA, the biggest culprit, had to pay a massive $1.5 billion in fines and penalties. Upcoding is still a problem today. Just last week, SCAN Health Plan paid a huge settlement for overcharging California’s Medicaid program.
Why is it referred to as upcoding?
The term “upcoding” comes from the idea of “upping” or increasing the level of billing for a service to make it more expensive. To understand and prevent upcoding, it’s important to know how healthcare providers submit claims to insurance companies, which is called coding.
Each type of medical service is assigned a specific five-digit code known as a CPT code, which stands for Current Procedural Terminology. Think of the CPT as a dictionary, but instead of words and definitions, it’s a list of medical procedures and their corresponding codes.
For example, if your orthopedist takes X-rays of your shattered ankle, they’ll submit a claim with the code 73630 to your insurance. This code corresponds to “radiologic examination, foot; complete, minimum of 3 views.”
How can patients safeguard against upcoding?
Patients can take several steps to safeguard against upcoding:
- Check Bills Promptly: Review medical bills and statements as soon as you receive them. Look for any discrepancies and ensure you understand what services are being billed for. Utilize resources like the American Medical Association’s free CPT Code Lookup tool to understand the codes listed on your bill.
- Fact-Check and Communicate: If you notice any discrepancies or have questions about the charges, contact your doctor’s billing department. Be polite but assertive in explaining the errors you’ve found and request corrections if necessary. Sometimes, misunderstandings can occur, so it’s essential to communicate openly.
- Reach Out to Your Insurer: If you’re unable to resolve the issue with your provider, contact your insurance company’s fraud department. Explain the situation and provide details of the error and your attempts to address it. Your insurance company may be able to assist you or guide you to the appropriate resources.
- Consider Changing Providers: If you consistently encounter billing issues or lack of transparency with your current provider, you might consider seeking care from a different healthcare professional who prioritizes clear and accurate billing practices.
By being proactive and vigilant about reviewing medical bills, communicating concerns with providers, and seeking assistance from insurance companies when necessary, patients can help protect themselves against upcoding and ensure fair billing practices.
The purpose of the CPT is to standardize the medical billing process, regardless of who performs the treatment or who is billed for it. According to the American Medical Association, which maintains the CPT, it’s “the most widely accepted medical [nomenclature] used to report medical procedures and services under public and private health insurance programs.”
