AMPATH LABORATORY - POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE

My recent experience at the Ampath Lab at Chatsmed Garden Hospital was a very unpleasant one. My son needed some pathology tests. We arrived at the lab and handed in the request to the receptionist. The waiting room was small and full. The receptionist captured each patient's details by asking them aloud as they were seated in the waiting room for their addresses, contact numbers, tests requested, etc. This was very unprofessional and breached patient confidentiality. When asked regarding the cash price of the tests, the receptionist responded that could only be determined after testing, as they were unaware of the testing methods that would be used. This was unusual as estimated prices should be quoted. She advised that the account would be sent to medical aid as the patient was on medical aid. He could not be charged cash prices. Shortly after the tests, which took place in a cramped examination room -with boxes on the bed -we left. A few weeks later, I received a bill for R1808. Apparently, medical aid was exhausted. Ampath was billing me R1808 for their unprofessional service. I responded by requesting a discount which they refused. My reason for requesting the discount was the fact that they could not provide me cash prices on the day, if I was aware of the exorbitant cost, I would have only asked for the most urgent test (insulin resistant test) only and paid cash. I will not use Ampath Labs again. Their unprofessional service and lack of respect for patient confidentiality leaves a lot to be desired. I am awaiting a response from them regarding their service and pricing.