Vancouver Clinic | Columbia Tech Center — Local services in Vancouver

I made a big mistake and chose to go TVC for my screening colonoscopy. NEVER AGAIN. My insurance covers such preventative exams in full. A "screening" means that the patient does not have symptoms of any kind before the test. To my surprise, I received a bill for $420 for pathology services for the polyps that were found and sent to the lab for evaluation during the colonoscopy. TVC's pathology lab did not include my primary diagnosis: Z12.11 (Screening for Malignant Neoplasm of the Colon), which would have demonstrated to my insurance company that these were part of a screening. Instead, they only included the CPT codes and the Diagnosis codes of the polyps but not the "Z" code that would have put this entire procedure into the "screening" category and not be subject to cost sharing.

I have sent letters. appeals, phone calls... TVC provides you with a form in the patient portal entitled "FInancial FAQ for GI Procedures". There on the second page it states that if "a polyp is removed your procedure will be covered 100%. However, your pathology fee MAY be billed to your medical benefits." That leaves some wiggle room. The Affordable Care Act intended for all preventative exams to be covered in full. The polyp and its evaluation is part of that exam. The patient never consented for a separate test and a subsequent separate charge. I suspect many people have found themselves in this position and thus, the form is now routinely sent to patients prior to the colonoscopy. So patients BEWARE: DO not go to TVC for your screening exams.

I wrote a letter to my insurance comissioner. There has been no attempt by TVC to explain their decision. The sad part is, it would only take adding a diagnosis code or a modifier to the bill and my problem would be solved. So far, 3 months into this, I only have refusals from them. Their last letter stated "we will not cover your pathology services. Please call our billing department to arrange payment". It would have been more respectful to recieve a slap in the face. I never asked TVC to "cover my pathology services". I simply asked them to add the appropriate code to the chart.

It would cost them "Nothing" to make this change, my insurance company would still pay them for the service.

I will never again step foot in one of their clinics. I work in healthcare and I am appalled. I would never treat my patients...

After 30 years in Nashville, TN teaching and practicing as a nurse practitioner, my husband and I retired in Vancouver, WA to be near grandchildren. I had to build a team of health care providers to help me manage multiple chronic and progressive conditions—ranging from osteoarthritis of shoulder and rotator cuff injuries from tennis to a progressive neurological disease that was well managed for past 10 years. I researched their bio sketches on health care websites. I chose The Vancouver Clinic (TVC) for my primary care provider based on her training and philosophy of care plus the training and experience of physicians across TVC specialties. My Vanderbilt Neurologist had referred me to Oregon Health Sciences University given my neurological problems that took a downward turn within a year of our move. I have been impressed with the genuine carlng, respect for my privacy, and support of my desire to maintain the highest level of independence of everyone within the TVC organization from appointment schedulers, nursing assistants, Physician, PAs, NPs, to clinic staff and staff Helping me navigate MyChart, the online platform for healthcare records. I have been impressed with the efficiency of my Primary Care Provider and clinic staff in Facilitating referrals, and follow up With specialist. In the past year, I have had Referrals to Over 10 specialists. I typically am seen within one to three weeks from a referral date with timely follow up. MyChart facilitates communication between my OHSU, TVC former Vanderbilt providers and current providers outside TVC who use platforms compatible with EPIC.. TVC doctors post progress notes and summary of visit by end of day for every appointment. Appointment schedulers are available by phone when I have trouble using the computer keyboard. I am grateful to Dr. Natalia Johnsen, my PCP, Dr. Peter Mullins, my Pain Management Specialist, and all of the specialty doctors and staff. Collectively, they provide high quality care in a timely and efficient manner. Appointments are scheduled at time. I never have a long wait in the clinics and they always have time to listen to my...

So Vancouver Clinic has always been a really good med clinic.. they have 95% of specialties on top of primary care.. unfortunately they have seemed to have brought in some new specialists that are very uumm let's just say less respectful.. I understand they are doctors.. but even a doctor doesnt know it all.. and especially what happens behind your own doors.. seems now a days doctors have taken to assume they know how you care for yourself and how you live your life.. In Neurology I highly Do Not suggest Dr Smith.. His bed side manner is something to be desired. He will not let you explain anything.. he will assume he knows how you sleep why you wake up why your in pain and why you are in his office.. I was only transferring my care from a different doctor due to retiring.. I had had a stroke just 1.5 yrs ago and he didn't even know I had one and when I told him he dismissed me.. It's not that bad.. then he asks if I wake during the night.. I said yes.. that's it yes.. and instead of asking why.. he immediately went to sleep apnea.. I don't wake cuz of snoring or stopped breathing... I have full body RA and I am in constant pain.. When I tried to explain he waved his hand at me and said " you need a sleep study".. "sleep apnea is what's causing your pain".. My husband's jaw hit the floor. He started to say something and I stopped him.. he did a cognitive test. Bcuz my short term is effected by the stroke.. he refused to give me the score and discuss that test. He got up and said have a good day. ... so if you want serious care in Neurology DO NOT see Dr Smith. I will never go back to him and yes I did put in a complaint... unfortunately vancouver clinic loses a star becuz of him.. Bedside manners do make a big difference in how a patient will care for themselves and listen to their doctors.. and maybe actually trust their...