Dr. John Carlos Franco, MD

I came in for a general checkup / physical at Advocate Sykes Medical Center. My appointment was at 5pm, and I arrived 10 minutes early. I had to wait for an hour before he was free. By the time I was called in I was the only person in the waiting room and it looked like the place was closing for the night. Dr. John Franco proceeds to 'get to know me' as I am a new patient. This becomes an hour and a half discussion about how his mom is a Psychiatrist and how he can use that to help me with anxiety - absolutely not what I came in for! It was around 7:30 when he wrapped up the conversation and finally checked my vitals. He told me not to worry, that this would be billed as a physical (multiple times), and informed me I will need to come back to get my blood drawn, as the whole building had shut down by then. I did not want to go back. 2-3 months later I get an invoice from Advocate Sykes for $180. I called to explain I went for a physical and general checkup, and they told me they… would investigate it farther. The bill, however, kept coming in. There was no call back or email notice as they told me to expect. Dr Franco had decided to charge me for a full office visit, including the extra time he created. I have been trying to get into contact with him, to no avail. I had to pay the $180 to avoid it going to collections, and will continue to dispute it. I feel fully taken advantage of, and will not be going back. IF YOU GO TO THIS DOCTOR, DO NOT LET HIM DO THIS TO YOU.