Dr Scott Dhupar review: Not A Patient, Just A Number 1

On August 4th 2014 I was inspecting a roof in Greeley and fell off a ladder. An ambulance arrived and transported me to the emergency room where I later consulted with Dr. Scott Dhupar, an Orthopedic surgeon. Dr Dhupar informed me that I had
broken both bones above my left ankle. He said it was a serious break and would involve surgery and extensive therapy. Later it was determined that the surgery would consist of 2 plates and several screws to be placed inside my leg so the bones would heal properly. After a minimum of nine months the hardware would be removed. The surgery was performed on August 14th.
During the next few months I followed Dr Dupar’s instructions to the letter. I enrolled in therapy and did everything as instructed. After a couple of months I was released from therapy. March was my last visit to Dr Dhupar’s office. At the time of payment I was informed that there was a balance on my account. I had made the necessary copays on each visit, so I was confused about the balance. The person at the office explained that on a couple of visits there were treatments that were not covered by insurance.
I paid the balance due as well as the current copay and was told that my balance was zero. On my last visit with Dr Dhupar he was very pleased with my progress. He said I did not need any more follow up appointments until September 4th, 2014 to arrange removal of the metal in my leg. On September 2nd I received a call from Laura at Dr Dhupar’s office. She informed me that my appointment for September 3rd was cancelled. I told her I did not have an appointment scheduled for that date, but
she insisted I did. After several minutes of debate and my offer to provide the confirmation email she rechecked the schedule and realized her mistake. She went on to inform me that my September 4th appointment was cancelled and Dr Dhupar would never see or treat me again. She said it was because I had an unpaid balance that was sent to collection. I told her I was unaware of any balance and asked how much it was and if I could pay it over the phone. She referred me to Sharon in billing. I called
Sharon and she said I could not pay the unpaid balance over the phone. I would have to pay the collection agent, but would not tell me who they were. She also informed me that it was Dr Dhupar’s policy that any time a patient went to collection he ends treatment and will never resume under any conditions. I explained that I had never been informed of any payment due. She claimed they had tried to contact me several times. I am very easy to contact. I don’t understand why they could not get in touch with me. They emailed me confirmation of the upcoming appointment and had no problem getting in touch with me to cancel it. These are also the same people that were trying to cancel an appointment scheduled for the wrong day. My point is; they make mistakes and I believe they made one with the notification on my account. She also informed me that the unpaid balance
was $69 dollars. It had been increased to $99 with late fees. Up to this point I have spent thousands on copays, medical equipment, and deductables. To the best of my knowledge my account was current. Does it even make sense that I would ignore a $69 fee? Sharon suggested that I call the office the next day and see if I could talk to Dr Dhupar. She said it was his rule and maybe he would make an exception. The next day, September 4th, I called and spoke with Laura again. She would not let me talk to Dr Dhupar. I don’t know if that was his decision orhers. I asked her if he had voice mail and she said he didn’t. She refused to
take a message for him. There was no way I was going to be able to speak with the Doctor. In summary; I have been a good patient. I have paid the bills when I was aware they were due. I also kept every appointment and showed up on time. This type of surgery and rehab is painful, exhausting, and frightening. Because of a misunderstanding over $69 my treatment was cancelled, forcing me to find another surgeon. It is my understanding that this is a violation of ethics. If it isn’t, it should be.