Ear Nose And Throat Care Center

First let me start this by saying that I really liked Dr. Livingston and I have also had no issues with the receptionists/scheduling staff... however, the insurance dept and office manager have horrified me with the way they handle things and their apparent confusion over how my insurance works. I tried to make an appointment as a new patient in order to get information on the Inspire implant for sleep apnea. I got a referral from my PCP as I have an HMO insurance. I had to FIGHT to get an appointment because I was told that my insurance is through Vista and not Advocate and therefore would not be covered. This could not be more wrong. My PCP is through Vista Physician's Group but that has ZERO effect on my insurance covering this visit - especially since I had the referral APPROVAL information. The receptionist was relaying messages to me from the office manager, when I asked to speak with the office manager I was told she would not take my call. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL! And after… emailing them from my insurance directly I was given an appointment. Then at my first appointment, Dr. Livingston wanted me to do an at home sleep study for further results before we could proceed with the implant. I have been fighting for 8 days with the insurance dept or whoever trying to get this test kit. My insurance covers WITHOUT PRE-AUTH as I have told them. I work in medical billing for a living, am a certified biller, AND I know my insurance quite well. This has been a NIGHTMARE. Not only will they not give me this test, and have referred me to my PCP (who does not handle sleep tests), I have clearly wasted my time and now need to go to ANOTHER specialist in order to get the sleep study order and am able to pick it up, THEN I need to go BACK to Dr. Livingston for the results. I have never in my adult life dealt with persistent confusion and attitude regarding insurance before. I am GREATLY DISAPPOINTED.