Can I dispute an invoice for a service not delivered? How can I argue this?

sjstringfellow

Dear All

I am emailing regarding an invoice I have received which I would like to dispute and am looking for advice on what the next steps are for me.
To give you a brief overview;
I attended a veterinary centre on 05.03.11 regarding my pet. After waiting over 45 minutes we were invited into a room where the vet asked one question and then left the room for over 20 minutes. Basically my pet had eaten a wild mushroom and upon entering the room the Vet asked if I could identify the mushroom, to which I replied that I had no expertise in this area. He then left for a long period of time with no notification of what he was going to do.
I left the room and asked the receptionist where he may be and expressed my concerns that the vet had not examined my pet for any signs of illness etc. The receptionist informed me that the Vet was "looking at a toad stall book" to which I expressed that I would have appreciated that he could at least informed me and asked how he could look at identifying an object which he did not have in his possession as I still had this in my hand.
I was obviously extremely worried for my pet and thought the vets first action should be to have tested him for any signs of illness prior to leaving the room. I informed the receptionist that I was not happy with the service and that I would be seeking advice from an alternative veterinary centre.
I have contacted the centre regarding the invoice received and the Vet insists that he consultation had taken place and if I were to refuse to pay the invoice he would "get the debt collectors on to (me)".
I am obviously unhappy to pay for a service that was not delivered.

Are you able to advise how I go about disputing this?

wealdroam

How much is the invoice for?

McKneff

So while the vet was looking stuff up in a book, did you just walk out after speaking to the receptionist.

fluffnutter

I guess it's like any service you pay for. If you feel strongly enough about this, then don't pay and let the veterinary practice take you to court. Debt collectors mean nothing. They've no more powers than I have to extort money from you so you can safely ignore this (although that's not to say it's not stressful to be chased for money). However, you'll probably have to gen up on what exactly the vet should have done so you can present your case at court. And bear in mind, of course, if you lose, you'll have to pay the fee, plus costs etc. which might well mount up. But it's up to you. If you genuinely don't believe you got a service, then don't pay it. You could try negotiating I guess.

fluffnutter

Re. the notification of what he was going to do when he left the room, some vets are notoriously bad communicators. I see one who directs all his answers to questions I ask at my cat and ignores me! I feel like saying 'He doesn't understand you. He's a cat. And a particularly stupid one at that'.

pendulum

My family doctor always runs way behind schedule, I've been there over an hour before, but I still go back to him, why? Because he's thorough and takes his time, he doesn't rush for anyone, the best professionals don't, so keeping you waiting 45mins before he could see you isn't always a bad thing.

It sounds like you were in an emotional state and wanted action done straight away (resuscitation team on standby, heartbeat monitor out etc) but the vet took a calmer approach, and after looking at what your pet had eaten began researching the effects (if any) and treatment... he could have communicated better, but I don't think that was a reason to walk out especially after the receptionist told you what he was doing.

And was it really 20 minutes?