Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla

My mother went to Dr. Mahdavi at the San Diego Ear Head Neck Surgery Medical Clinic at Scripps Clinic, for an ear ache. She told him that she believed it was a fungal earache, as she has had these recently. She had no other symptoms, no sore throat, no congestion, no runny nose, clear eyes, and no cough. Dr. Mahdavi appeared to do a routine eye, ear, nose and throat exam. He confirmed that she had a fungal infection. Her insurance company was charged $227.00 for an initial new patient exam and $302.00 for a "Nasal Endo DX Uni/Bilat (the rest not printed on statement) and $65.00 for Binocular Micro spear (rest is not printed on statement). She paid the $20.00 co-pay and was surprised to receive a bill from Dr. Mahdavi for $162.62, the amount the insurance did not pay since a "surgical procedure" was performed. NO SURGICAL PROCEDURE WAS PERFORMED ON HER but Dr. Mahdavi's staff was very prepared to defend this charge. She was informed that Dr. Mahdavi used a scope used in surgeries to look into her nose and that was the "justification" for charging $300.00. This kind of practice is indicative of how and why medical costs are so high. Dr. Mahdavi put financial gain before ethical practice. I believe this is something he does often as people are very consistent in their practices. She paid the bill and informed Scripps Clinic - Patient Advocate - and now I am reporting how he practices medicine. We were fortunate that her earache did not turn into anything more serious. The drops Dr. Mahdavi gave her DID NOT WORK and when we returned home (we were on vacation) to see the Ear, Nose, Throat specialist she normally goes to. He is a highly respected surgeon associated with a leading hospital in Orange County. He looked at my ears, confirmed they were still infected and used a powder substance that cleared the infection within 24 hours. Please note my complaint so that others with health problems more serious than mine and with bills far greater than mine will be taken seriously. I believe this deceptive practice is par for the course in Dr. Mahdavi's office.