Banner Health review: Money, money, money!

On July 13th, I went to the imaging center at 10474 W Thunderbird Blvd in Sun City, AZ. I was checking in for an ultrasound, as part of my yearly routine breast health check-up. The woman at the desk said "You have a co-pay." Nothing had even been done for me, or to me, but she was badgering me about money. I told her that the ultrasound had always been covered by insurance company, at 100%, and that I had verified with the company that it still would be fully covered. She argued back that insurance companies "don't usually" cover ultrasounds. First, I already told her that I verified coverage, so is she calling me a liar? Secondly, since she was just clerk at the desk I did not feel the need to discuss health-related issues which allowed me to get the ultrasound covered, so I did not explain, I just declined to pay the co-pay. She said "Well you'll be getting a bill." I didn't bother to say anything more to her. The ultrasound was done and I left. On July 24th, I went for a physical exam at the Banner facility at 13640 N Plaza del Rio Blvd in Peoria. As I was checking in for that appointment, the clerk said "You have a co-pay." I told her that I did not since I was coming for a physical exam which is covered at 100% through my insurance. She said "You were here on the 13th and there is a co-pay." I told her I was not "there" on the 13th, but that I was at a different Banner facility, had already discussed the issue the person there and that the procedure would be fully covered. This clerk said "Well, we have to get something from you." It was like she was trying to bully me into paying a fee that I knew I did not owe. While holding onto my insurance card, she said "Well I have to call the insurance company and check." Again, it seemed that Banner staff was calling me a liar. I told her that if it was a problem then to just cancel this appointment because I don't intend to pay what I don't owe. She back-peddled saying "Oh no, we'll let you see the doctor." Clearly, she did not have the clout to keep me from being seen by the doctor. When I got into the exam room my blood pressure was quite high. I'm sure due in large part due to being badgered about money, which I knew I didn't owe. The assistant commented on how high my blood pressure was and I told her about my interaction with the clerk. I saw the doctor and left. I have received my Explanation of Benefits from the insurance company and as I predicted the ultrasound was covered. I DID NOT OWE A CO-PAY. I find it distressing to the point of disgust that the so-called "healthcare system" blatantly demonstrates that their primary concern is money. There is no care, only money grubbing treatment. Banner...teach your staff to just check people in WITHOUT AGGRAVATING THEM ABOUT MONEY. If there is a balance to be paid just send a bill. As much money as your corporation collects it can afford the cost of postage.