Douglas Allen, DO

AVOID THIS OFFICE OR RISK SUFFERING INCREASED PAIN/​STRESS!
I had a terrible experience and was effectively denied treatment because I refused to pay an exorbitant fee up front, in violation of my insurance agreement. I was referred to Dr. Allen by a surgeon and made an appointment for the following day. I gave the woman who made the appointment my insurance and personal information, and she said she’d check to be sure Dr. Allen is in network. She said she’d call me back later that day if there was any problem. She never called. My husband spoke with the insurance carrier, and Dr. Allen is in network. When I arrived for my appointment on Sept. 13, there was nobody at the front desk, and even as employees milled about, nobody bothered to ask who I was there to see or to apologize for the lack of staff to greet me. Finally, Dr. Allen came to the desk. I recognized him because his name is embroidered on his top. He apologized for the lack of staff and gave the me some forms. I filled out the paperwork and he returned to call in another patient who had an appointment scheduled a half hour after mine. The other patient was kind enough to point out that I was ahead of him. Dr. Allen looked over my insurance information and said I’d have to pay up front because of a «network deductible» and refused to bill me through my insurance. He said «that’s the way we do it,» and that he’d «reimburse you if you overpaid.» He said I could pay him and then seek reimbursement through my carrier. I left and he followed me to elevator, repeating this is «how it’s done» through my insurance. My back pain hit a new high by the time I left the office due to the stress incurred by his essential refusal to treat me without being paid in violation of the insurance contract. My husband spoke with the insurance provider after my failed visit, and was informed that what Dr. Allen did was wrong and under no circumstance do we ever pay up front for a network doctor. My husband then called Dr. Allen’s office and left a voicemail message. Dr. Allen called back my husband, again insisting «that’s how we do it.» A woman from the office called back later to apologize for her «mistake,» for not calling me back about the insurance and for giving Dr. Allen «wrong information.» Still, I have received no personal apology from Dr. Allen, who acted in an unethical manner that caused me greater pain rather than help me manage it.

Dr Allen was my second opinion after being frustrated with the «nothing we can do» answer. He’s been the best! Thoroughly explains the condition and has creative solution. Best is he listens. He has a amazing physical therapist right is office!