Little Rivers Healthcare

On October 27 2009 I called Little Rivers Health Care in Bradford, Vermont to cancel an appointment scheduled for October 30 2009.nn(I had been remiss in scheduling a follow up to a May 2009 Urgent Care visit -- had waited until September 2009 to try to schedule an appointment).nnThe receptionist from Little Rivers Health Care asked why I was canceling and I told her it was because I had lost my health insurance and could no longer afford health care. She suggested that I meet with Dr. Kevin Connolly (an M.D. at Little Rivers) and assured me that because they were a Federally Qualified Health Center I would not have to pay if I couldn't afford it. Relieved, I agreed.nnAfter checking in and having my weight and blood pressure (that is all) by a Nurse, I met with Dr. Connolly, told him that I had no symptoms since May 2009 and thought it was a non-issue but wanted to be sure. Then we spent the next 10 minutes of my 15 minute visit talking about how I could not afford health care.nnThere was no examination -- I didn't take a single piece of clothing off. I didn't even get out of the chair I was sitting in. We just talked. The primary focus was how I could not afford health care.nnI am now receiving calls from a creditor for the office visit at Little Rivers Health Care.nnI didn't have the money then and do not have the money now – in fact I am on VHAP -- with NO MONTHLY premium -- that is how little money I have.nnI have contacted the CEO of Little Rivers by email and have had no resolution -- no response actually.nnI spoke to them again -- in person -- on February 25 2010. They offered to put me on a payment plan!nnThis is clearly a fraud to get money. To get a bill from Little Rivers Health Care after a 15 minute visit -- most of which was spent talking about the cost of health care -- when I called to cancel because I couldn't afford it and was told to come in anyways -- just isn't right.nnSo today I filed a complaint with the Vermont Attorney General as well as the Vermont Department of Health Board of Medical Practice.