Sleep Medicine Doctors who are Physicians - Oak Ridge, TN

"I never actually saw McWhirter. Instead I saw Ashley Estes. From what I've been told she's a nurse practitioner working under the doctor. However, McWhirter's name is what comes up on my insurance. I arrived at the office in the Tennova South Bldg. and was greeted by a woman with the most cartoon-like southern accent you've ever heard. Not all of us around here want to sound like hicks. Each word was drawn out multiple syllables and the pitch would make a dog howl. (The man working at the desk, however, was more than tolerable. He was downright helpful. Too bad the woman wouldn't let him get a word in edgewise!) Anyway, that's not my chief complaint. When I actually saw Ashley, she didn't do anything but speak to me. There were no tests run, no machines used, etc. In fact, a blood pressure check and neck measurement from that aforementioned male tech was the only time I was even touched by anyone at the office. Ashley talked to me long enough (10 min. or less) to suggest I do a take home sleep study. However, she said, it might not be accurate and if I get a "negative" then I'll have to come in and do an overnight in-office test. Great... So I went to the from desk and asked if my insurance would cover this. Suffice it to say the lady had no idea. She said she'd check into it and I'd hear from them soon. So I left. The next week I got a call from the same woman (which was painful, I assure you) telling me my insurance would only kick in once my deductible was met. I decided to check with my ins. company to see if this was true. (Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN) It was. So I told the lady I was not interested at this time. I figured I'd get a copay bill soon for the office visit and that would be the end of it. No such luck... I was charged $356.92 for the use of the Medical Center but it was covered. Then, as I looked at my EOB, I was floored to see that I was charged a whopping $323 for "Dewey Y. McWhirter III". My part was going to be $182.41...for 10 minutes with a nurse practitioner who didn't do anything but ask me a couple questions! I naturally assumed this was a mistake as I'd never even heard that name before. Unfortunately, after making numerous calls it became clear that my visit had been coded as an Outpatient Procedure. I thought this was wrong but after speaking extensively with Amy Harris Smith I was assured it was not. She did inform me, though, that I could file a Financial Hardship claim. I did so right away and received a message from Ms. Smith saying it had been reviewed and I'd be receiving a newly discounted bill from the vendor. Then I waited...and waited... Finally, I got a bill for the EXACT SAME AMOUNT of $182.41. Of course I emailed Ms. Smith asking what the problem was. She responded by merely saying I should call the number on the statement. Then I got yet another email from a different lady saying there would be a 40% discount. Great... So finally I received a bill for $109.44. Let me remind you that this was for nothing more than my blood pressure and neck measurement. I never set up a sleep study. I was not informed I would be charged more than the regular cost of a copay visit. I feel this is a very shameful way to run a business and I will not ever recommend anyone use Tranquility Sleep Specialists PLC. (Just save yourself the time, money, and hassle and go to a reputable doctor's office instead.)"

"The staff is not helpful. They NEVER answer the phone or return calls. Dr. Slattery seems to care only about what the insurance will pay for and no interest in listening to his patients. I’m on the search for a different practice.."