Alta Bates Imaging Center

I never had my MRI done here. BEWARE! Because I did get a large bill and call from a collection company — Bay Imaging Consultants — for my MRI reports. Oh wait… what MRI reports? I never had the MRI done here but they don’t care they just charged me anyway. They charged my insurance which for some reason paid them — so now they have to pay my insurance back. I’ve already filed a letter of dispute and reported it to the BBB. Sutter Health is complicit if they don’t stop the fraud. I have spent over an hour of my time fixing their mess — I am self-​employed and paid hourly. This is either complete gross negligence or intentional fraud. I don’t know which but it’s unacceptable. See review on Bay Imaging Consultants who they outsource to read the MRI reports:

I give 5 stars to the staff at Alta Bates Imaging & Mammography Center. I was extremely pleased with my visit to the X-​ray Deparment. Kudos to Terri & Lisa, who processed my paperwork. Terri, tirelessly and patiently, helped solve my problem of the missing forms necessary in acquiring my x-​rays.
Rather than dismiss me with the suggestion that I go back to doctor’s office, get a copy and come back another day, She took the time to suggest what I should do.
Lisa took up the slack when I had the doctor’s office fax the forms. I got my x-​ray!
I, then, walked down the hall to get a mammogram. Went like clockwork. Before I knew it, it was over. Jovita, the technologist, was proficient and personable. I left feeling that I had been well taking care of by the staff at Alta Bates Imaging Center.

They called me to come in early and then left me to sit and wait. Not cool at all. Why bother to disrupt my schedule last minute

It was fine, well organized. Parking a bit tight and waiting room crowded but once into the room the mammogram went very quickly.

I would give Alta Bates 3 stars but the following review which I posted for the 3^rd party that reads the actual x-​rays received 1 star so I’m being generous and providing 2 stars here.
The people during the x-​ray itself were nice enough, sort of friendly and almost smiled. But the wait was long and non-​responsive. The trouble is with the billing from the 3^rd party. Just rubs me the wrong way.
From my other review of Bay Imaging Consultants:
Yes, this is one of those cases where I’d give 0 stars if I could. And the trouble here is that it’s not for the services that they provided but rather the lack of visibility before and during the service but rather for the bill that arrived after. One of the previous reviews suggested that maybe it was a scam so I called the office where we had our son’s x-​rays taken. It turns out that Alta Bates has outsourced the reading of the actual x-​ray to a radiologist group. That group in turn bills separately for their services unbeknownst to the patient. And this is why the single star. When I went into Alta Bates, I did not expect them to send the x-​rays to someone else. But 3 months later, a bill arrives for a grand total of $ 5.76 for services completed 3 months before, and yes it seems to be a scam so I called to confirm. No prior warning, no indication that a bill from a completely unrelated organization would arrive at some future date. Just another medical services provider cutting their own costs by outsourcing to a cheaper alternative which in turn bills my insurance company and then me for the difference. $ 5.76. And sadly, there’s nothing we can do but pay the bill and hope we don’t need x-ray’s any time soon.

This imaging center seems to use radiologists that aren’t especially competent. I’ve had two imaging studies read incorrectly, leading to further, more expensive tests. Much more expensive. If this happened in any other industry, I’d receive an apology and the charge would be removed. Not here. You are wrong, they are right, and there is no way to ask for a review of their procedures. I’m reporting them to the Department of Corporations and the State insurance commissioner. This seems like fraud to me. While those wheels are turning, I’m taking my business elsewhere — in addition to being impenetrable and incompetent, they charge the highest prices in the Bay Area.

This review is for my two visits to the Alta Bates Imaging and Mammography Center in April, 2012. It’s at 5730 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA (510) 204‑1880.
…I am very happy with the thorough professionalism of the several staff I encountered, mainly with Trish, the Ultrasonographer. She proceeded through her routine methodically and deliberately, making adjustments and saving data into her ultrasound machine. She even used warm ultrasound jelly! And she explained the highly technical questions I asked her.
…There were also Tenika and Gerardo at the reception desks and Alex the X-​ray technician who also answered technical questions. And I also appreciate Geoffre in the Medical Records File Room who very courteously and professionally made copies of the tests for me. I am a 73 year old scientist and have been studying anti-​aging medicine for 18 years, and I like to be an informed patient.
…I am very happy with the physical organization of the Center, and with the large convenient parking lot, and with the thoroughly professional, knowledgeable and courteous staff. Driving from Alameda to these professionals benefits my health greatly.
…You can see my Unilocal reviews for Dr. Bruce O’Neil and his assistant Tatyana in the Over 60 Health Center, and with Drs. Olmezova and Chadravan in the LifeLong Dental Care clinic, by clicking on View All.