United Healthcare claim was denied because the urgent care facility was out of network, but when I called member services before going the representative said that it was in network. Do I have any recourse?

I recently went to an urgent care facility, but before going I called the member services number on my UHC card to confirm that the facility was in network. I gave not only the name of the place but the address, and I was told that it was in network. When I registered at the clinic I was not told that they wouldn't take my insurance, instead they charged me $50 which is my copay for urgent cares. If they had told me that they don't take my insurance, I wouldn't have proceeded! I saw a physician and they did some bloodwork and an ultrasound, and for the ultrasound they charged me an additional $125, which is my plan's deductible. So I assumed all is well.

I just received an email from the facility's patient portal that I have a bill for $599. Looking on my insurance's website, I see that was for an urgent care physician office visit that they denied. I also have a pending charge of $1677 which is the bloodwork and the ultrasound, which will likely also be denied. The reason stated for the physician office visit being denied is because the facility is out of network.

Do I have any recourse here? I hope phone conversations are recorded and they can double check that yes, the representative did I fact say that it was in network. The person I am chatting with now is also stating that it was denied because there was no prior auth submitted by my PCP, but this was an urgent care visit! Thank you for your help.

submitted by /u/suade10
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