Northwestern Medicine Immediate CareEvanston

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: BLACK PEOPLE STAY AWAY My sister went to Northwestern Urgent Care on 1704 Maple Ave Suite 100 Evanston, IL 60202 because the regular physician didn't have anything open. She was asked to pay $252.00 as a deposit and denied care even though she presented her insurance card. The insurance card clearly stated a dollar amount of what her co-payment for urgent care should be. When asked why she should have to pay above what her copay is, she was told it is considered a good faith payment at their discretion just in case the insurance does not pay. She asked the front desk person to contact her insurance for validation. While waiting almost 1 hour and no other patients were in the waiting room, she contacted her doctor's office, explained the urgency and was able to get an emergency appointment with her primary care doctor. When she asked for the names of the persons at the office that had denied care unless she paid, Esteban called the Evanston police. She wasn't being aggressive, threatening, violent, or speaking in a harsh manner. This was very humiliating. The police came, and found she had not posed a threat to anyone at the office. One of the office assistants said she didn't even know he'd called the police. I feel the $252 is a deterrent to blacks and other people of color seeking treatment at that facility. Secondly, the average person does not look at or may not understand their complete explanation of benefits. They only check to see if they owe money or not. In many cases, double billing often goes unnoticed. I feel this $252 minus their co-payment/co-insurance may not be recorded as payment. If you have gone there, have insurance, and paid $252 you should contact your insurance as well as the medical billing office for Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care at 855 694 2866 to confirm how your claim was billed and if your insurance paid. You may be entitled to a refund. Being of color and/or underinsured or not having insurance should not mean you receive inadequate healthcare. I posted his pictures because I feel he is a threat to the safety and well being of others. PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS