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Times Action Columns
The column appears regularly in the Times Floridian section. Comments or questions? Please contact Times staff writer Suzanne Palmer at suzanne@sptimes.com.
Recent columns
December 20, 2007
Problematic warehouse contracts delay delivery
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: On July 27, I ordered a product called Zorbeez after seeing it advertised on television. My payment of $28.71 was processed by my bank the same day.
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December 2, 2007
Ensure holiday toys are safe
By Suzanne Palmer
Many of you may already have sifted through the sales circulars looking for the best buys on toys for kids on your Christmas lists.
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November 29, 2007
Cabinet company gets the job done - eventually
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: In early August I phoned the Cabinet Place to get an estimate to have two cabinet doors made. I'd used the company in the past and was pleased with the work.
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October 7, 2007
The cost of many goods, services is negotiable
By Suzanne Palmer
Everybody loves a bargain.
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July 12, 2007
Delays slowed complaint
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: I filed a complaint with the Medical Quality Assurance Unit of the Florida Department of Health against a thoracic surgeon who treated me.
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June 17, 2007
For surgery, which Mease was meant?
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: On Friday, June 30, 2006, Dr. Michael Zelig of Advanced Gastroenterology Associates performed a colonoscopy on me.
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June 14, 2007
Blank check doesn't get a second glance
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: I received a letter from Progress Energy saying my payment check had been returned by the bank. It demanded payment in cash, cashier's check or money order in one week's time or my electric service could be cut off.
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June 10, 2007
How phone sales can lead to confusion
By SUZANNE PALMER
Q: I signed up for service with DirecTV over the phone. I think the salesperson misrepresented the offer.
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June 7, 2007
Vision patient sees red over insurance issue
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: On April 5, I went to St. Michael's Eye & Laser Institute for a blur in my left eye. It didn't accept my insurance, Humana, but asked if I had a Medicare card. I gave it to the receptionist. I was given three appointments. After tests during the final appointment, I was told my insurance was no good. I had to pay part of the balance by credit card; I still owe more than $300.
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June 3, 2007
Agencies struggle to connect
By SUZANNE PALMER
A recent column about dealing with Medicare Advantage programs really resonated with a lot of readers. In the past couple of years, I've amassed a thick folder of letters from readers pleading for help to straighten out deductions and reimbursements for health care coverage.
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May 31, 2007
Unfinished work wasn't part of the contract
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: I contracted with Belcher Contractors and Roofers in Tampa on Oct. 16, 2006, for a new flat roof and flashing on the chimney.
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May 24, 2007
That 'check' in the mail could turn out to be bogus
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: I'm sending you the enclosed check I received from StubHub! Financial Services. I almost deposited it using the ATM, but then I decided to ask my banker if it's legitimate. It sure looks like a good check. It even says it's issued by Wells Fargo Bank.
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May 20, 2007
Make the CD rate ads work for you
By SUZANNE PALMER
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May 17, 2007
Complaint-handling system bogs down
By SUZANNE PALMER
Q: I purchased a desktop Hewlett-Packard computer, shipped directly from HP, at Office Depot on Feb. 24. I followed all the setup procedures, then turned the computer on and waited for it to start. The instructions said it might take a while the first time, but after an hour with no sign of life, I went through the setup procedures again. Nothing. After several more attempts, I gave up.
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May 13, 2007
Rebate delay nets apology from top
By SUZANNE PALMER
Q: In early 2006, Albertson's advertised a $20 rebate by mail if you purchased four Pepsi products and four Frito-Lay products. I purchased the products and submitted my rebate. After several months passed and I heard nothing, I resubmitted the copies.
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May 10, 2007
Loan approval strikes him as too casual
By SUZANNE PALMER
Q: We had a loan for $16, 000 with our bank in Hudson. My stepdaughter borrowed $50, 000 on our loan. I didn't know about it until I saw it on our statement. My wife agreed over the phone with someone at the bank. We didn't sign anything. I'm wondering if that is legal procedure.
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May 6, 2007
Insurance not valid on dates of service
By SUZANNE PALMER
Q: I joined a Medicare Masterpiece Plus Plan in April 2006 with Universal HealthCare. I upgraded to the Any, Any, Any Plan in July 2006.
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April 29, 2007
Getting rebates, freebies proves to be a challenge
By SUZANNE PALMER
Q: I'm enclosing copies of a rebate I submitted to T-Mobile on Oct. 6, 2006. I am still waiting for it, despite phone calls and letters.
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April 26, 2007
Getting to the root of a billing problem
By SUZANNE PALMER
Q: I had dental work performed at Coast Dental in Port Richey between January and August 2002. According to policy, I paid in full at the time of service.
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April 22, 2007
Is your contractor up to the job?
By SUZANNE PALMER
For many of us, hiring a contractor for home improvement is about as pleasant as having a root canal. As Floridians, we also face the very real prospect of needing a contractor for emergency storm repair. But horror stories abound.
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April 19, 2007
'Life-changing experience' comes up short
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: I'm writing on behalf of my husband. Two months ago he ordered books through a television advertisement and used his credit card to pay. The bill arrived before the merchandise.
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April 15, 2007
Request for medical records leads to misunderstanding
By SUZANNE PALMER
Q. I'm sending you a rundown of an exchange I had with a doctor concerning my painful knees.
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April 5, 2007
Process was hazy, but refund arrived
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: I ordered hair products from Sheldeez Salon in Virginia in December 2006. I never received them. I called numerous times, spoke to several people, and also requested a refund in writing, but I can't seem to get any satisfaction from this company. Apparently the products were unavailable, so I just want a refund for $26.78.
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April 1, 2007
Staffing shortage caused Medicare refund errors
By Suzanne Palmer
In November 2005, I attended a seminar for senior supplemental insurance through Universal Health Care.
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March 29, 2007
Company promises a free filter change
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: My dilemma involves Water Express Corp. My contract states that I get a free filter change. What I received, by UPS, was a package containing the filters.
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March 25, 2007
Get Internet to help with vacation plans
By SUZANNE PALMER
Spring has truly sprung in our little corner of paradise. With the onset of warmer weather and the end of the school year just a couple of months away, vacation planning time is upon us.
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March 18, 2007
New gate closes the book on fence issue
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: On Sept. 9, 2006, we contracted with USA Fence to supply and install 330 feet of ornamental fencing and a 14-foot gate with an operator arm. We were told it would take two weeks for delivery and installation would begin shortly thereafter.
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March 11, 2007
Medicare savings took toll on patience
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: I signed up my mother for Enhanced Medicare Part D with Humana in December 2005. I asked that the premium be deducted from her Social Security check. It took me more than two weeks to actually get through.
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March 8, 2007
Incorrect information slows down lab payment
By SUZANNE PALMER
Q: Here is my tale of woe: In October 2005, I had my yearly gynecological exam; the lab work was sent to Quest Diagnostics. Shortly after, I received a bill for $45.
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March 4, 2007
Be aware of costs associated with lease
By Suzanne Palmer
Q: What should my husband and I be aware of before leasing an automobile in Florida?
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