As some of you may know, I am plagued by a few health issues. Although mostly under control, I do have to see my docs on a regular basis. My primary, being one that I see quarterly. Then my OB/GYN & my Cardiologist require annual or bi-annual visits.
I have absolutely no issues with my specialists. I never have long waits and am seen at my appointment time or shortly after. My OB is the best EVER. The whole package. Excellent DR. & surgeon with the absolute best bedside manner. He's not on my insurance so I do pay my deductible oht of pocket but after that, he will write off whatever my insurance does not pay. In my case, it has been way up there.
So on my recent visit to my primary, I sat in the waiting room for almost two freakin' hours. There were people standing inside and out. They took my co-pay when I got there, so that I couldn't escape. The patients in the waiting room just as ticked as I was and threatening to change doctors. I would too... if I could. My doctor is my brother's wife's aunt. Sorta, kinda, family.
Aside from the wait, my rant involves what came next. As I was leaving, the receptionist hands me a sheet of paper and asked me to read it and let her know my thoughts about it during my next visit. So I read it when I get home and became even more livid than I had been earlier.
Basically, the doctor is offering a "concierge program". Yep, you read that right, concierge! For a mere $150 per month you get the following:
*Comprehensive physical exam annually.
Um, am I not supposed to get that any way?
*Increased communication with attention to personal needs.
Will she be cleaning my house? and feeding me bon bons?
*Same or next day appointments with no waiting.
Are you freakin' kidding me? I have to pay for the privelege of not waiting 2 hours to be seen? What makes you think that your time is more valuable than mine?
*Direct personal cell phone & email communication with the Dr.
Guess what? If you don't answer my calls I will go elsewhere. Family or not.
*Continuity of care while hospitalized.
Again, that's part of your job. You get paid an outrageous amount by my insurancefor popping your head in at the hospital.
Everything that I mentioned above is what I expect to receive from my doctors ANYWAY! It's what my other doctors do all the time. Guess what, my OB even called me while on his freakin honeymoon to check on me after the birth of my baby! Get a grip! I might just join that patient revolution and find another doctor. I pay $$$$$$$$ for my PPO insurance annually, I will not pay an additional $1800 per year thank you very much.
1 comment:
(sorta) family or not, I think you need a new doctor. I switched last year and could not be happier.
Linda
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