Dr. Kathleen S. Knoebel, MD

My family recently moved to Katy and needed to take my son for a wellcheck especially since he was overdue for his immunizations.  I chose this facility because my insurance provided me with this option.  I told the doctor everything about my son, mentioning his never ending issues with his ears and having surgery one year ago for needing tubes placed in his ears.  I informed the doctor my son also has allergies and takes a perscription medicine...all important information that a doctor would need in order to get to know the new patient.  I thought it was customary to check out the new patients ears and other body parts.  What I thought was a wellcheck, also turned into a sick visit.  I was at the office for two reasons: son's immunizations and have the doctor meet my son. Not a sick visit. When I received the invoice through my email, I called the billing office and told them about my concern with the invoice and the young lady respectfully informed me that "Next time, don't have the doctor look at anything troubling/worrisome and tell the doctor to ONLY focus on the immunizations for the wellcheck."  "Sorry ma'am...your insurance allows us to also bill for the sick visit along with the wellcheck."  Case closed.  I would like to add that the office manager called me personally and very nicely explained why they had to charge me a sick visit.  However, I respectfully explained to her that I deserved to know immediately when the wellcheck was "turning into" a sick visit and be given the option to make another "sick" appointment.  The doctor and his/her staff should do a better job of communicating how visits are coded so the patient isn't the one left out in the dark.  Unfortunately, Office manager and I "agreed to disagree" on this issue.  I won't be coming  back to this office.