Dr. Rania Agha, MD

I scheduled a dermatology consultation with Dr. Rania Agha via a smart phone application called ZocDoc. The application ...indicated that Dr. Agha is in my insurance network as a preferred provider. While the visit was short (approximately lasted 15 minutes), Dr. Agha's bedside manner was exceptional.

After her initial physical exam of my dermatologic concerns, Dr. Agha said that biopsies would be necessary to determine the character of 2 of my skin formations. I did not intend on spending anything that would exceed the consultation costs during this visit, so I explicitly asked Dr. Agha about the out-of-pocket expenses that I would incur because of the two procedures. Dr. Agha immediately responded and stated that there would be no out-of-pocket cost to me, which I later learned was a lie. I opted for the procedures because I trusted the physician's deceptive statement.

Approximately two months after the visit, I received a bill from the physician's business for $598.87. As an Army medical student, I am on a fixed budget and cannot afford unpredictable expenses, so I contacted the billing representative to ask about this issue. I was told rudely that nothing can be done and that I should not have listened to the physician because she does not know enough about my insurance plan. The billing technician continued, with a very condescending attitude, to explain that I should have known my own insurance plan better, which prompted me to address her more assertively at the latter portions of the conversation. I further asked whether there are available discounts or payment plans for this transaction and received a negative answer. When I asked to speak with the technician's supervisor or manager, she said that she was the only person with whom I may speak.

Ultimately, I feel deceived by the way in which Dr. Agha and her business handled my billing questions and issues. I never intended to spend money on procedures and would not have opted for the procedures had I received the truthful answer that there would be an out-of-pocket cost. My trust for this physician and her business is beyond repair! more details