Has anyone gotten a refund from orthodontist Anne Hahessy?

Grogsy

I'm surprised there's no post about Anne Hahessy yet, but she's the orthodontist who suddenly closed down her practice in Oranmore. I had paid upfront for treatment that had barely started when she closed down - €3,800. There still seems to be no way of getting a refund, so I'm wondering if anyone has managed it?

I even tried disputing the transaction on my credit card but seem to be being ignored there. The bank just says they're way too busy, don't contact them, they'll be in touch. It's been a few months now......

10-10-20

I'd be escalating the case with the bank, I would have thought that by using the CC as payment that the protection stood for something...?

That's absolutely your fastest way of getting the cash back - the others all involve hideous legal avenues which will probably see you loose your mind before you gain your much dwindled cash.

buzz11

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058266958/has-anyone-gotten-a-refund-from-orthodontist-anne-hahessy

Start a chargeback with your bank ASAP, its a standard procedure so you've a very good chance of getting a refund. Lots of people got refunds this way from Ryanair/Aer Lingus during the covid lockdown so its a well worn path and its regularly used. Don't delay !

See link below on chargebacks from the merchants perspective;

https://www.aibms.com/help/chargebacks-fraud/dealing-with-chargebacks/

daniel_h

There is a time limit on chargebacks so get on it ASAP.

Gwynston

We started a claim with Avantcard for the cost of my sons treatment and they credited us back the money within a couple of weeks!

They do however say that this amount is dependent on them being successful in getting money back from Hahessy and reserve the right to reverse the credit....

The next big problem is trying to find another othodontist to take on my son's treatment....

Grogsy

Sorry I never responded here, I wasn't notified of the replies. Anyway, I still haven't heard from the bank so I guess I'll be ringing them next week to chase up about it.

happyoutscan

Why did she shut down? Awful that people are left out of pocket.

NTC

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119735580#Comment_119735580

Found this on the dental council, she (or her agent) is supposed to get you a referral to another orthodontist (with you consent). She is also supposed to be informing the dental council with the status.

http://www.dentalcouncil.ie/Dental%20Council%20-%20Dr%20Ann%20Hahessy%20Undertaking%20-%2020221007.pdf

NTC

There is this article from RTE

https://www.rte.ie/news/investigations-unit/2022/0811/1315277-dental-patients-left-stranded-without-orthodontic-treatment/

walterking

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120045978#Comment_120045978

You simply tell the bank that you want to do a chargeback on the transaction as the work was not completed and the practice has closed down.

It's not a "refund". Make sure you use the correct terminology.

Keep it simple. Don't go into any long-winded explanation. Have transaction id, date and amount. Have details such as the news report to back up your claim.

It is the Mastercard/Visa card insurance system that provides the chargeback via the issuing bank.

Grogsy

I'd love to know, all I hear is rumours. But she seemed very nice so I don't think it was malicious.

rustyfrog

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120048597#Comment_120048597

She gave a statement to GBFM a few months ago;

https://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/dr-anne-hahessy-issues-assurances-on-patient-treatment-refunds-and-records/

Wompa1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120051914#Comment_120051914

Her health should be a priority BUT 6 months without a refund and 40 days from date of request to get records for a small dental business is a joke.

Grogsy

Still no progress with my charge back request from AIB. They got in touch but just to look for more info. It's been more than 6 months now.

And of course, absolutely no sign of any refund from the orthodontist herself. Luckily, my new orthodontist has yet to charge me anything. I think they're hoping I'll have gotten a refund before the treatment ends.

Grogsy

Well, the bank refunded me! Fully! They contacted her about it and gave her 30 days or something to respond. She didn't respond, I don't think, so they gave me the full amount back. Delighted!

Seve OB

AIB are brutal for a chargeback. Glad you got sorted. Just seen a bit of prime time there about her, looks like lots of people out of pocket