Wendi L Cleckner, LM

I hired Wendi Cleckner with Freedom and the Seed midwife practice and paid in full last week and was assured there wer...e no surprises in billing and everything was 100% settled. They cashed the check 2-days ago, and yesterday sent an email demanding an additional $500 because we are 1.2 miles further than they thought. They had our info since May (its now the end of August), and nothing was mentioned at our apt. last week and when we paid and signed the contracts.

When I disputed the $500 charge they dropped me from care and are keeping a large portion of my money. I have not even been allowed to talk to Wendi, she will not return or answer my calls. I have been crying for two days over this. I am 5 months pregnant and do not have healthcare now, nor the money to hire another provider because of this practice.

"i apologize for not mentioning this fee when you were signing the financial agreement - an in person conversation regarding finances is always preferential. There is a clause in there regarding long distance clients but as i am a bit new to the area, it did not occur to me that you fell into that category."

Below is the first email I received the day after they cashed the check paid in full, when I tried to make my second appointment. Our home is 21.2 miles, not 23. And we would have had no issue paying $500 more for the 1.2 miles if it was a part of agreement when we signed it, but it was not. We were ASSURED that we were 100% paid in full.

"Upon reviewing your chart, i noticed that your house is 23 miles from the office. i'm not sure if Wendi discussed this with you but our policy for families greater than 20-29 miles from the office is an additional "travel fee" of $500. This is to cover fuel costs as we will be visiting you at your home several times not just for the birth but also for your postpartum care."

When I responded $500 for 1.2 miles for fuel costs? This is the reply I received. And just know I NEVER asked for a discount, their payment plan states if you pay on the first visit in full you get a certain price, and if you go with a student midwife another price. They offered it to me.

"As you know, there is more to travel than just fuel costs: extra travel time, extra wear on the vehicle. i understand that you must be feeling frustrated by the fact that you fall into this category by just a couple miles. And while 25% of your discounted rate surely feels a bit steep, i'm sure $500 is based on our full rate of $4500."

This was my personal experience with Wendi Clecker and Dianah Damron De Luna with Freedom and the Seed.  more details