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Paid the vet hospital bill - now they're asking for more

Our little dog had to be admitted to a veterinary hospital just over two weeks ago, where sadly he passed away.
The hospital asked for payment before we left the premises so I settled the account there and then.
Before we had even got home with him, they'd sent an email asking for an additional £150+ for treatment which hadn't been included in the original bill.
They've followed up with several emails, texts and even by letter asking for this additional payment.
I wasn't impressed with the care provided but leaving that aside, I believe the account I paid at the hospital was a full and final settlement and that the extra costs demanded need not be paid.
Is that correct and is there legislation which covers this situation?
Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • Penguin_
    Penguin_ Posts: 1,577 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Is the treatment they're chasing payment for, listed on the original invoice?
  • Sunnyfields
    Sunnyfields Posts: 3 Newbie
    First Post
    Thanks for the quick response.
    Considering the circumstances at the time, I asked for the invoice to be emailed (rather than stand waiting for it to be printed), which of course has had the additional £150+ added.
    However the email also contained the following sentence
    'I apologise but after you paid the £xxxx.xx the nurses upstairs in wards have added something onto your file so there is now £150+ outstanding'
    So my stance is that's not my problem. 
    Be interested in your take on this.
  • Penguin_
    Penguin_ Posts: 1,577 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    So the invoices I get from my vets show treatments & medication on individual lines & separate costs. If that £150 is on the invoice & forms part of the total you paid then you can point that out to them. However, if it isn't then you will have to pay.

    Whilst you may have asked for the £150 to be added, sometimes these things happen & they can be missed off. They have alerted you almost as soon as you left the surgery.

  • Like your experience  that is what normally happens at my vets. They tell you how the bill is, you pay it and they email an invoice/receipt/.

    Sorry I think I've not have explained the situation very well.

    The same procedure happened at the hospital. They told me how much, I paid that amount, left (without a printed receipt but with the promise of an emailed one) and then they realised their mistake so sent an invoice/receipt asking for an extra £150.

    My argument is I settled the amount asked for when leaving the hospital and am not liable to pay the requested additional amount of £150.

    I see it as similar to buying something which costs, say £2000 which I pay, then leave, then am asked for an additional £150. Would that be payable? I'd be inclined to say no.

    Thanks for your thoughts on this.


  • Penguin_
    Penguin_ Posts: 1,577 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I mean it's obviously an error on their part, if they pursue you for it I do think you will be liable.

    Would you be so final if it was the other way around & they charged you an extra £150?
  • lincroft1710
    lincroft1710 Posts: 18,790 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    If the hospital in error failed to charge you for some of the treatment, in law they have up to 6 years to send an invoice. So if the extra charge was fair and reasonable I think you may well be liable.
    If you are querying your Council Tax band would you please state whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales
  • sheramber
    sheramber Posts: 22,025 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped! Name Dropper
    The OP didn’t get the answer they wanted so have not been back. 
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