Bernstein Larry J MD

I was referred here by an ENT for allergy testing and like the previous reviewer suffered from rude staff members and Dr. Bernstein himself regarding my insurance.
When I walked in I showed them I had Oxford and they made me call my primary care dr for a referral even though my plan does not require referrals. The receptionist made it sound like there was a glitch with Oxford and their particular allergy testing so I called my PCP who submitted a referral on the spot. I felt bad because I have a good relationship with my PCP and I was forced by the receptionist to be rude to get a referral when usually I like to give PCP staff time to get stuff together.
Unfortunately that was only the beginning of my billing issues. I was aging off my dad’s policy and was given erroneous information about my insurance termination date. It turns out that for my first date of service I had another plan in effect that required a referral. I called the office to apologize and tell them they need to process the insurance through my correct carrier. The receptionist couldn’t have been more haughty and rude. I had documentation showing a termination date that was different than the one used by insurance carrier. The receptionist said that without a shadow of a doubt the claim would not be paid because I lacked a referral. I told them I would write a letter to insurance company with proof that HR gave me a termination date prior to my visit and insurance company told me to ask my dad’s HR for when I would age off his plan. I sent in the paperwork and my clear and fair letter resulted in the claim being processed!
Now the new insurance had a $ 0 copay when I already paid $ 40 for a visit that was supposed to be covered by the first insurance. I called and politely asked for my $ 40 refunded. They put Dr. Bernstein on the line. I was appalled because in all my years seeing doctors I never had a doctor get on the phone to discuss money! I was told I was being a hypocrite for demanding a co-​pay refund when I had the office re-​submit my claim to a new insurance company. I repeated again I received wrong info from hr and had the proof which is why emblem paid claim without a referral. I told them I saw HIP check was cashed and i would report them to NYS for double dipping. A few days later my copay refund arrived.
My main concern was the attitude the staff had about money. I have been to many other dr offices who work WITH patients and not against them when it comes to navigating insurance. If Dr. Bernstein thinks he’s a superior allergist then stop accepting insurance and see if you’ll have enough of a client base paying cash.