I don’t always tout my own thoughts (well not every week, anyway) — but I do think all the readers of www.thecheckoutline.org should read what I wrote today for www.obit-mag.com
It’s called “Gouging Doctors: A Defense Strategy” — and although pretty self-explanatory, it’s basically a how-to manual on how to defend ourselves and those we love from outrageous fees, rude doctors, poor health care — the works! I think you’ll find it valuable. Here’s the link:
http://www.obit-mag.com/articles/gouging-doctors-a-defense-guide
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Bravo! Great article. I am basically healthy, and I thank God daily for that, but I do see a physician for regular maintanence. Here is what worked for me….I am compulsively early, for most everything, including MD visits. I always bring a book or something to occupy my mind and don’t really mind waiting 30-40 minutes for my “turn”. I keep a list of any quetions I may have and am pretty good at sticking to my point during the visit.
I had a physician that keep me waiting…are you ready ….one visit 3 hours, the next visit 4 hours….that was when I gave up and just left! I also sent him a bill for my “time”. At my usual billable hourly rate of course!
The office called me and thought I was joking. I informed that I was not, and that they could make a copy of my medical record for me to pick up so I would have it for my new MD.
I did pick up my medical record and have not received a check from them yet, but did report them to the medical board as well….will it do any good? Who knows, I feel better though
I think we should ALL leave if we have to wait 3 or 4 hours waiting for a doctor at the office. I’m all for presenting a bill to such doctors for the waste of time, but, like Jeanne, I wouldn’t hold my breath.
I am also in favor of reporting such behavior: now that there are online blogs that rate doctors, why not rate yours? Complete with details!
Doctors are not the enemies of the people, as some would portray them. Presenting them as such is not helpful to building trust with patients, which is essential for treatment. I agree that some doctors are unprofessional, greedy, uncaring. Unfortunately, this is true in most professions. Fortunately, they are the exception. In addressing the situation and describing difficulties, it is important not to lose sight of these two truths.