Austin Radiological Association

I went to this location and had a wonderful experience with their staff last October. The technician spoke to me about the benefits of having a 3-​D Mammogram, but that the insurance companies typically did not pay for this service. I was told that in the event of them not paying, ARA would only charge me $ 60. A couple months go by with no bill and I think that the insurance company has paid it in full. Imagine my surprise when, in January, I receive an invoice for over $ 400. Before I have a chance to digest this bill I receive a final notice to be sent to collections within a couple of weeks. My first call (pre-​final notice) ended with a sorry we did not present the charges correctly, but there is a payment plan. My second call (post-​final notice) I asked why this company would threaten to ruin my credit a mere 3 days after receiving my first invoice. After no resolution, I stated that I would pay the invoice but that I would like to cancel future appointments. The response was that ARA dominates the Austin market and that it would be difficult to find anyone else. Thus, acquiring quality, sincere, service for something as delicate as potential breast cancer is going to be forced upon me because I have no other choice. As I said before, the experience in office was great and I do believe that the technician merely made a mistake in presenting the cost of the mammogram. This being my first examine also did not help because I did not know what to expect. My frustration lies in how all of this was handled on the back end.

So, if anyone is sent to an ARA, for the most part you’re like «oh, crap», but these folks make it a LOT easier. Nice and compassionate and thoughtful, all the things you would need in a weird situation when you are standing there half naked for long periods of time. Well done, folks, and keep it up!