Lien Animal Clinic

[2krazy4words]

I cannot believe I have just been served with a “Notice of Small Claim” by the clinic. You would think they would want to work with patients with so many of us out of work. Yes, I have a $158 balance, but I’m also $2000 behind in rent and struggle to stay current with month to month to avoid eviction and try to figure out how to get the past due amount paid.

The frustration also comes from the fact that when I left their office I had a ZERO balance until I went back for the follow-up only to find they had billed another $220 worth of stuff they NEVER informed me of … then another $150 for the follow-up visit. How are you suppose to know about these costs unless they tell you? Then they wonder why you can’t pay.

I had even told the vet and the bookkeeper that I could not afford this and would do the best I could to pay them when I could. So much for truly caring about your patients …

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[Sue]

Could be a simple misunderstanding. Have you spoken to them about the claim yet? I had a collection agency contact me once for a medical bill which I never received because they were sending it to an old address, and I never received the bill to pay or dispute it.

Did you put in writing the fact that you couldn’t pay the bill right away but intended to? I work for attorneys, and know that writing is always better than verbal – they can forget to write it down, but something in writing at least proves you aren’t trying to run out on them. Doesn’t mean someone can’t still sue you for it, but might make a difference.

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[flowerpetal]

I’m scratching my head on this one. It seems so out of character for Lien. It’s true, they are a business; and have likely had a tough year financially. I’ve witnessed them working out arrangements with customers before. Perhaps another talk with them would be fruitful.

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[2krazy4words]

it’s on my to do list … both to contact them again (in writing) and setting up “mediation” – the sheriff that served me the papers was really nice and explained my options. Still boils down to the fact that you can’t get blood from a turnip, tho like you say: they can still try.

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[elikapeka]

This doesn’t sound like Lien to me. I did have a situation a while back when I went in to pick up some meds and they thought I had a balance….somehow they had added the charges for a previous visit back in, but they cleared it up right away. I can’t imagine that they would just file a small claims action, especially over such a small amount, without contacting you first. I’m not saying you’re in the wrong, I’m just thinking there must be some kind of mixup somewhere, since this just seems so out of character for them. Have you just talked to them? I hope you can get it resolved.

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[HunterG]

I too have recently had a bad experience with them, and unfortunately so because I had always had such good experiences with them; and not to mention being spoken to in a condescending manner when the issue was presented.

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[funkietoo]

Per the WSB posting rules, have you sat down with Lien and tried to work it out with them? The OP states there was some kind of conversation, but a meeting may be in order. There are programs, like CARE Credit that can help you pay the Vet immediately and then you make payments to CARE Credit.

We all need to be careful not to dis a business, especially one like Lien that has such a great track record in the community. Not only are they very cutting edge in diagnostics and treatment, they work very closely with Seattle Animal Shelter and King County Animal Care and Control in provided the medical care that surrendered and abandoned animals require.

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[2krazy4words]

funkietoo … In keeping with WSB rules, and as you noted, I have had conversations with them … and as also stated will be putting our conversations in writing as well as scheduling mediation as per the Notice of Small Claims.

I’m not trying to “dis” Lien – I have been a client and like the others on this post, found myself scratching my head over their response. Being HunterG and others that may not have posted have indicated, they are not always gracious … sometimes track records mean little.

I went to them because of their reputation and because I knew they helped rescue foundations. I also know that is not so much the case anymore. The agency I adopted my cats from now go elsewhere – tho they will use any reputable vet that offers assistance. Even the vet at Lien that was checking over the kitty I adopted almost 3 years ago used past tense in referring to helping them.

Just because you work closely with other agencies doesn’t make it ok to be heavy-handed and condescending. Everyone is having a hard time now so maybe it means being a bit more patient with those that are trying to make good on their debts rather than making it harder by having to go through mediation.

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[ellenater]

I agree with you, 2krazyforwords. Hang in there!

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[Smitty]

I like Lien.

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[Garden_nymph]

I just wanted to give Lien a double thumbs up. Times are extremely difficult at our house, lack of employment, mounting bills and debts… Our dog has had an ear infection for a few weeks now. We have been trying to treat it at home with ear washes, colloidal silver, etc, but it just hasn’t cleared up. At Christmas, we were given money and decided we would use it on our dog. Over the years Lien has treated our many pets; they have always given excellent care and seemed conscience of containing costs. This time we called ahead to ask about a sliding scale for fees, which they do not have. We asked that if there were any procedures we could do ourselves, they instruct us, instead of paying for them to do it. We asked about ANY way to reduce the fee. We were instructed that, by law, they needed to do an exam prior to prescribing antibiotics. They gave us an estimate and gave us a time to come in. I called around to see if we could find a better deal, but office visit fees are about the same and we trust Lien. True to form, Lien surpassed our expectations again with excellent care and an affordable fee. To save us money, they only charged us for a brief exam and instead of prescribing a more expensive medication, gave us the option of one they could make in-house for less. This was the least expensive vet visit we have ever had at a time when we needed it the most. Thank you Lien, your love and commitment to animals and our community is an asset to West Seattle!

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[TammiWS]

I agree. I have had nothing but good and kind experiences with Lien and the Vets there.

A week ago I had to run to Burien at midnight because my cat started to fade quickly and I ended up having to put him to sleep. I have been meaning to call Lien this week to let them know – they cared for my kitty for 11 years but also I wanted to avoid getting a reminder card in the mail for my cats next visit – and then today I received a condolence card from them. Thoughtful and kind all around.

Try to work this out with them.

Also, want to put out a good word for the clinic in Burien at 5 Corners. They were so kind and so supportive when I came rushing in and helped me come to terms with making this decision. They too send me a condolence card which was very thoughtful.

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[Garden_nymph]

I am so sorry for your loss TammiWS. I would like to second the good word for the emergency vet at 5 Corners in Burien. A few years ago, my family watched the car in front of us hit a cat. Our daughter was in the car and witnessed the accident. Because of the love we have for our pets, we couldn’t deal with the thought of the injured cat, suffering until it died. My husband and son followed and found the injured cat and took it to the 24 hour vet at 5 corners where they determined that the feral cat had sustained massive internal injuries as well as a broken jaw, they put it down. Because it was not our cat, we were not charged. It’s good to know that it is possible to be a Good Samaritan without bearing the brunt of the fee.

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[2krazy4words]

I never said I didn’t like Lien or question their skill. However as I mentioned, I did tell them I could not afford this and would do my best to make payments as I could. They NEVER mentioned sliding scale or anything to work out a solution – their solution was to serve me with Notice of Small Claims.

I do know many who have not had favorable things to say about Lien, yet they had been my first choice when choosing a vet for my kitties. And yes, they have sent me a condolence card in the past as well. So have other vets I’ve had prior to moving to West Seattle. This is not unique to them.

I have written them and have AGAIN explained my circumstances and asked for a way to work this out…we’ll see what kind of response I get…

Thank you Ellenater for the kind words of support.

5 Corners and South Seattle Veterinary are both great for emergencies and kindness in difficult times.

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[Garden_nymph]

2Crazy4words,

I am sorry, my intention was never to belittle your experience. I just felt the need to post a positive comment because of our experience with Lien today.

As I posted earlier, we too are experiencing very difficult times. I wish you the best and hope that some resolution can be reached.

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[angelescrest]

2Crazy,

Was the total amount owed $158?

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[HunterG]

I hope that all that have good experiences with Lien continue to, I have heard so many wonderful things about them, and I had great experiences with them for 3+ years.

But, as of last month, my experience with a vet @ Lien, having a lack of knowledge and failing to recognize a symptom and not to mention a condescending vet tech is too much for me.

At any vet clinic, ask for a vet that has more experience with your type of pet. I got someone with a rabbit / rodent interest. Sucks i have a cat. =(

Hoping to have better results from VCA.

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[guidosmom]

HunterG – I had a similar experience with a certain vet too, and now only ask for specific vets.

I ended up switching from VCA to Lien after Dr. Keast left VCA. You could not pay me enough money to go back to VCA at this point (unless maybe Dr. Keast came back). I gave them several chances after he left and each experience got worse and worse. The final straw was my old dog ended up going downhill very fast. She had several medical issues but this time she could not walk (and weighed 70 lbs so it wasn’t like I could just carry her), could not eat or drink on her own, had lost any real will. They gave me instructions to bring her back the following week. It was heartbreaking to watch. I ended up taking her to Lien a few days later where the vet she saw was shocked that she was sent her home like this. She was put down at that first appointment… I do hope things at VCA have changed for the better. They were going through a lot of changes when I left. Even though I loved this dog with all my heart, I could not watch her suffer any longer. I felt like they were more interested in making money. I also hope their prices are better. I was shocked by how much cheaper Lien was! Good luck.

Oh – and this is not a rant, but if it comes across as one, when this happened I did notify VCA who apologized and did send a card for the loss of my dog.

To the OP – I am so sorry you had such a bad experience.

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[ws4ever]

I’ve found the vet clinic in Jefferson Square kind about low-cost suggestions and treatment options. They have several young vets and I’ve found them all good with dogs.

For the best knowledge and care level, when it really counts, Tejinder Sodhi in Bellevue, is exceptional in holistic and traditional vet care.

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[2krazy4words]

to angelescrest: interest on last statement brought it to $160.71 what sucks with small claims is I can also get hit with court costs … not to mention having to take time off from a job I just started – I’m now working 2 jobs just to try to meet rent, utilities, and maybe groceries … like everyone else these days … I keep hoping at some point I’ll catch up …

I’ve been fortunate to always get Dr Kraabel, yet I met someone that did not have a good experience with him. Their cat would have died if she hadn’t insisted on a specific test. He’s always been nice to me and has taken the time to chat – even about expenses, which is why this is hard. He “knew” from previous visits I was doing all I could to keep up and still keep current with my cats needs. I say “knew” because who knows what they remember when you leave the office …

He did mention they too struggled with the decision to continue construction on the new bldg or wait. They decided to move ahead and hope for the best. I know as a business they have bills to pay too, yet I’d hate to think dragging clients into small claims is their way of getting them paid. I have a small home business that has been hit hard (why I’ve taken on another job!) yet I would never dream of taking my clients to small claims – but then I can’t afford to …

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[angelescrest]

My feelings are the same as w/the cat we were trying to help. You rescue cats, right? And animals make people’s lives happier. If 16 people put in ten dollars, then–voila–your bill gets paid. It’s not like some frivolous expenditure, and it’s making a mess of your life. I am more than willing. And, couldn’t we just send/give the money to Lien per your account?

We also got hit hard this year, but there’s been a miracle on the job thing, so!

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[elikapeka]

Doh!!! Why didn’t I think of that! Like many of us, we’ve had our financial challenges this year, but I’m in for ten. Just tell me what account to put it to and I’ll give it to Lien directly if that works.

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[UrbanFabulous]

I don’t mean to sound callous, but at the end of the day Lien is still a business, not a charity. If clients don’t pay their bills Lien will no longer be around to do the wonderful work that they do. Did you try sending $20 a month? You may not be in the situation that you are in if you had made a good faith effort to bring your account current.

I work for a very small business (owner and me)and she takes it extremely personally when a client doesn’t at least send in small monthly payments. We don’t work for free and have our own bills to pay.

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[2krazy4words]

UrbanFab: If you read my last post I acknowledged all of that. Also, I did try to make good faith payments – this is the remaining balance of $561+ billing. However, as I told the bookkeeper, I will NOT make a commitment to something I cannot do. There are months – and there have been many – when I do NOT have $10 or $20. I had thought I’d have this paid off early on only to have 2 jobs fall through. My primary focus is rent – staying current and trying to find a way to pay the past due amount before my landlord’s patience is up. Then is utilities which I am often also behind on – and they are bare minimum (I do not have cable and anything I can cut has been cut long ago). IF there is anything left it goes for food – 1st for my cats and then me.

angelescrest and elikapeka: you kindness is greatly appreciated! Yes, my cats have always been rescue cats, I keep an eye on all the neighborhood cats too, and have “renewed” my association with Friends of the Animals Foundation – we tried to rescue a severely neglected kitty that found her way to my door (all cats lead to my door). FAF had me take her to SSVH and covered the expense (SSVC donates and discounts their services). The kitty did really well for about 2 weeks and took a turn and didn’t pull through. I had also fostered a kitty for them that turned out to have cancer … seems my role is letting them leave this life with warmth love. My current 2 are also both rescue and doing well.

Anyway, I have volunteered to help FAF get their website up and running again in exchange for their support and their efforts to better the lives of animals.

If there are those that want to help, I am willing to offer a trade (I dislike taking money from people yet truly appreciate the kindness!). I do design work and have notecards that were a test project (marketing them has been more work than I have time for) I will send you a 10-pak and you can choose another 10 of your choice OR I will do a custom card for you. You can visit my website http://www.LeslieSierra.com and through the images you will see what notecards are available and Montages will give you an idea of what we can create for a personalized card. I would feel much better working in exchange for any assistance given. Also if you have a busn I will work a deal with you (follow the link to the design site).

And before any comments are made about the websites or the work I do, business has drop 2/3. I’ve lost all print work as clients are making the same cuts we all are. So I took a 2nd job to try to make up the difference. It will be a while before things level out, and being this 2nd job runs with the school schedule – no school, no work, no $. And if you look at the years the images were taken, you’ll see it was long before the 2001 collapse that took everything I had and left me and many others scrambling to create our own work … which was finally doing well when we got hit with the second wave. So now it all begins again …

thank you to those that have patiently listened and understand

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[hammerhead]

I have emailed you.

FCAT.

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[Author]

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