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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

The NHS is fining me and I have no idea what for...

34 replies

GodThisIsEmbarrasing · 07/10/2019 09:04

A couple of weeks ago, I got a final demand from the NHS for dental charges. I emailed them to tell them that I had no idea what the letter related to, and they put it on hold for 21 days so that I could talk to the dentist.

I visited the dentist, who said they couldn't deal with things like this in person but to email them, which I did twice. I also called eight times and visited three more times. I also contacted the NHS again to say that the dentist couldn't provide me with any information, and therefore could they please provide me with information about what the charges were for. They said that if the form hadn't been signed by me, they'd cancel the fine, but the dentist would have the form, and they couldn't provide it.

The dentist say they don't have the form, have no knowledge of it and I need to contact the NHS as they are the ones fining me...

On Saturday I got another final demand, they've added another £50 onto the fee for non-payment. I have no idea if this even relates to treatment that I've had - I've been to the dentist once this year, for a filling, and was accompanied by a support worker as I was in a bipolar flare. The support worker thought we paid, but can't remember.

What else can I do?! I can't really afford the fine...

OP posts:
Lottle · 07/10/2019 11:14

Could it be a scam?

ILoveWelshCakes123 · 07/10/2019 11:23

Are you on universal credits? I've been fined twice now for having treatment on the NHS when not entitled to.

They didn't have a UC tick box so they fined a lot of people for having treatment, even though they are entitled to it.

I had to prove I was receiving UC and they waived it. They've since put a UC tick box now.

Dread to think how much it's cost the NHS in wasted time!

thenightsky · 07/10/2019 12:04

katseyes7 That's awful Flowers

starfishmummy · 07/10/2019 12:06

Jesse70 not everyone pays by card. In fact my dentist regularly has signs up saying their card reader is not working. In fact I strongly suspect that it never works for nhs patients Id love to know if it miaraculously works when people have thousands to pay for their implants!!

katseyes7 · 07/10/2019 12:09

thenightsky Seven years on, and l still can't understand it.

justintimberlakesfishwife · 07/10/2019 12:17

OP the NHS have to give you evidence. What is it claiming exactly? I've had two falsely issued prescription PCN's before. The pharmacy had ticked an exemption box, but I'd paid. I played Merry hell the first time, it was cancelled. The second time I was able to show the payment to my pharmacy from my bank statement. Again, it was cancelled. It's horribly infuriating and really stressful. But they can't fine you unless they are telling you why?

Baffy · 07/10/2019 13:06

Floorcleaner's advice is good - can you print this post out and take it in with you?

FlossieJEM · 07/10/2019 13:34

Log a complaint with NHS England who are the commissioners of NHS dental practices, they will able to investigate the finance element and have authority to review all practice information with your consent.

www.england.nhs.uk/contact-us/complaint/

Rotanicani · 07/10/2019 14:53

My sister went through this recently. It turned out the dentist, despite her updating it, had used a previous address in their admin. The fine was generated as her benefits were at the new address. It was 6yrs since she moved, god knows how they did it. Have you maybe held different addresses in your time at the practice?

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