Associated Neurology Medical Group

As you can see from previous reviews, this operation is 100% a scam. Nearly two years after my visit (which lasted all of 15 minutes and involved the most absurd old-​school exam one can image) I have finally had my erroneous and illegal balance cleared. The office repeatedly asserted that they submitted their claim to my insurance correctly, and that my insurance had simply not responded, however my insurance did receive their claim — LATE. Part of their obligation as a contracting medical group is to submit their claims within the filing period, and if they had correctly done so, they would have easily been able to prove it, which they were unable to do. After dozens of unanswered calls placed by myself and my insurance company looking to correct the situation with a simple form to fill out, Dr. Starkey’s staff sent my bill to a collections agency. At this time I involved a medical advocate to handle the situation on my behalf, since it is only possible to communicate with this office if it is someone’s full time job. They were able to determine with the collections agency that Dr. Starkey had illegally submitted my bill to collections and they cleared by debt. I can only imagine how many people who do not have the resources, time or patience, actually wind up paying this bill to Associated Neurology and Medical Group (especially as I imagine many visit with brain function problems…) and it is absolutely horrible that they are allowed to continue praying on patients. Shame on the staff and the doctors in this office.

Beyond horrible customer service. I waited over an hour for an appointment, and ended up having to leave. It took them 15 minutes to refund my co-​pay. Meanwhile, the doctor had yet to actually finish with the precious patient. He was speaking to her very rudely near their front desk area. The women at the front violates HIPAA by telling me why the person in the room is taking longer than expected. The office next door with which they share a waiting room wasn’t any better. Their front desk staff seemed to think that repeating what you’re saying in English over and over and louder and louder to a person who doesn’t speak English was the same as getting an interpreter. This place and their neighbors suck!

I called Associated Neurology to make an appointment as a first time patient and asked if they accepted UMR insurance and was told Yes by the receptionist. On showing up for my appointment on June 20, 2014 I went to the receptionist area and gave my wife’s UMR insurance card (she works nearby at Summit Hospital). The receptionist accepted the card without any «ifs, ands or buts.» A few days later I received a call from the receptionist stating that UMR wasn’t valid for my recent visit with Dr Collins. In summary, I asked twice, once on the phone and secondly in person and was assured they accept UMR insurance as payment and my visit would be covered. I was billed $ 350.00 for the visit and I called the office several times and was told they would refer the matter to the accounting office and have someone return my call. They changed the rules of the game after the fact. They sent the bill for collection and I informed the collection agency that I would not pay. I have to other doctor’s offices and have been told prior to the appointment whether or not their office accepts UMR as payment and never had a problem. Evidently, the office staff is incompetent and would strongly suggest that one not rely on any information given by them on the phone or in person.

Happy July! Just when you think it can’t get any stupider or Collins’ office employees can’t be any lazier or nastier…
RECAP: I have been fighting with this doctor’s office for several months because, even tho they are in network with United Healthcare, they billed me & sent me to collections. I have a list of 17 dates & times that I called Collins’ office & left a message. No return calls. Collections, United and even Alta Bates got involved trying to get them to send me the insurance form so that I could file it with United.
What’s new since my last update:
In April, I sent a Demand Letter, giving Collins 10 days to send the insurance form so that I could file it with United or I would file in Small Claims. Since Collins himself would have to appear in court, the insurance form magically appeared in my mailbox.
I filed it and United paid the claim. The tricky part is that I paid them $ 350 ($ 25 co-​pay + the $ 325 they sent to Collections). But, they are in-​network for United, so United only paid them the contractual amount, which is $ 215.
Let’s be clear here: between what United Healthcare paid them and what was extorted out of me, Associated Neurology has now been paid $ 565.00. They are contractually allowed $ 240 ($ 25 copay plus $ 215).
I sent a letter explaining that they owe me $ 325 (since United paid them). They sent a nasty letter back telling me that they don’t own this account anymore. Get my money back from Collections or United. That’s what the words said; the real message was «go eff yourself.» I sent proof of insurance payment to Collections. No refund.
Associated Neurology (Meagan, to be specific, author of nasty patient correspondence) told Collections that they weren’t paid and that they don’t owe me any refund.
Yes, Meagan, you do. At a minimum, you owe me $ 110, because you balance-​billed me for more than your contracted amount.
I called United again, who put me on hold while they called Collins’ office. When the rep identified herself and ask for Meagan, they hung up on her. United Healthcare has now escalated the issue to their Contracts department. The Collection agency has a department head talking to Collins/​Associated Neurology’s office.
Dear Meagan, it appears that you have better things to do than your job or the right thing (which should be the same). Has it occurred to you that it would be less work for you to settle this issue? Or that, if you don’t feel like doing your job, there are probably hundreds of unemployed medical office workers who would be glad to have the work? Be glad that you don’t work for me…

I had an appointment with Dr. Collins who was very nice and knowledgeable. HOWEVER THE RECEPTIONIST IS DISGUSTINGLY RUDE!!! I called in to pay a bill that I received in the mail. I started to spell my name out and she treated me like I was doing HER disadvantage by helping her understand me over the phone. Then I asked her how much the bill is in total and she said with SO MUCH ATTITUDE «well I can’t see the bill right now» so I told her I’d pay the amount on the bill I received and she says «well there you go». So I asked to speak to someone else because she seemed to have a lot on her plate and she said I should just call back tomorrow. No apology; no change in tone; just plain rude!!!

I just spoke with the receptionist at Dr. Collins’ office. She is sweet as sweet can be. so helpful and went out of her way to help me with a very difficult situation. Please know, the old receptionist is no longer there. Rebecca is spectacular!!!

I just want to say that Dr. Collins is a great doctor! I’ve been going to this practice for almost a year now and it’s so much better than the neurologists that I had seen in Sacramento (where I moved from). From the first visit, I was super impressed with this doctor after dealing with a couple doctors that seemed so uninterested in me as a patient. The receptionist has always been nice to me on the phone and in person. Just very glad I go to this place!

Needing a caring, compasionate neurologist. Dr E.C. would be the man. I found Dr to be caring, compasionate and knowledgeable regarding my diagnosis and treatment. He answers all your questioins, addresses all concerns and gives me pointers that I don’t even think off. He is up to date and knowledgeable in his treatment and really shows caring. Like him alot, you will too.

Dr. Maska is an excellent doctor and I recommend Associated Neurology Medical Group to anyone looking for knowledgeable doctors who will do what it takes to help you find relieve. I visited Dr. Maska due to severe headaches almost daily and dizziness that would not allow me to even walk at times. After a few tests Dr. Maska found out that I suffer from 3 different problems and sent me to Judith Pollack an outstanding therapist who has helped me so much and to whom I am so grateful. I am very appreciative of Dr. Maska and the work she does.
Personally I never had a problem with the receptionist, she is personable, professional and very helpful, so much so that she calls the labs, and other doctors on your behalf. She is efficient and knows her job very well. This is my MO: always speak to people with a smile and be respectful at all times, because that is the exact way I want to be treated. It works almost every time!

Had a frustrating insurance issue earlier this year. Copay for my MS drug was over $ 750 and I did not meet the drug company’s criteria for financial assistance. Hated to do it but needed to see my neurologist for financial help, as in, is there a cheaper therapy. Dr Randy Starkey walked me through the decision process for changing meds. He reviewed far more than my neurological history. In one short visit we discussed my allergies, skin reaction to current medication, a pre-​existing skin condition, and my chronic mild depression. He told me about the changes in these conditions to watch for as well as some other side effects of the new drug.
I’m pleased to have a doctor willing to help me keep my «Health care spend down» by focusing on my health needs. I left the appointment on a new medication, comfortable that I understood the potential downsides of the change.
I see a lot of negative comments about the receptionist. It’s been the same person for years until recently and I did not find her memorable. The office has good on site parking, even during the hospital construction across the street. I’ve never had billing issues. The building is clean.

Dr. Maska treated my paroxysmal hemicranial headaches and I have my life back! She asked me more details about my pain than another neurologist in a different practice, and I am now gratefully headache free. She is patient and sensitive.
I met one brusque receptionist on my first appointment and agree she was not patient-​focused. The practice has a new receptionist who is pleasant and efficient and respectful.

Eric Collins is one of the bay area’s best neurologists we think (see SF Magazine’s 100 best physicians in the Bay Area if you want confirmation). Dr. Collins treated my husband for transgeminal neuralgia, and successfully guided us through a difficult diagnosis, multiple medications, and complex surgical interventions (with consults at both UCSF and Stanford), helping him return to a normal, pain-​free life. Dr Collins has been a treasure: personable, responsive, and up-​to-​date in his field without being over-​whelming. Always willing to explain what’s happening, correct in his assessments, and very responsive even via email.

I can’t agree more with the previous reviewers about the nasty disposition of the receptionist. I was so turned off by her that I considered canceling the appointment immediately. Luckily, a doctor at Alta Bates told me she would never refer a patient to this neurological practice, so I decided to find another doctor for my mother, despite the inconvenience.

Please see the other reviews. Worst receptionist in the world; threw 91-​year-​old and daughter out. Dr. Maska surely knows how her staff represents her. They reflect her attitudes toward patients. Please do not put yourself through this kind of treatment.

After dealing with this horrible practice, I decided to get a second opinion. Thank goodness! Thank you Dr. Arnold and thank you for giving me a place to go to and not having to ever return to this horrible place and this horrible receptionist. Get a clue and fire her. If your first impression person is horrible and then Dr. Collins is just as bad, I should have just walked out, I am not sure why I finished the appointment.

Back to negative ten stars. Suffice it to say, I do not have the energy or emotion to write anything more about the horrible treatment received from this office. I’ve already written a novel. You should know that the receptionist told us I was no longer «allowed» to deal with them because I wrote something «negative about them on the internet.» If you are suffering from any malady of the brain, this place, and Minnie the receptionist in particular, will simply make it worse. If you are looking for a profitable lawsuit, you could probably find a ripe one here easily. I, for one, was simply hoping to find a doctor that could provide the care we needed under some pretty desperate circumstances. Total, utter, complete failure. You have been officially warned.

My experience at this office was a nightmare. The receptionist is condescending and rude, and although I need a neurologist I will never return. She said to me… you are «not of my concern». How can my well being not be of their concern???