How many of you have ever sat down to ponder on the ethical practice of people in the medical profession? This morning I had my fifth doctor appointment in regards to my dizzy spells. They still haven't figured out what is wrong with me. My general practitioner called me yesterday to tell me that he wanted to see me again after The Balance Center couldn't determine what I had. I arrived 10 minutes prior to my 9:00am appointment. By the time 9:45am rolled around I was still sitting in the waiting room, fuming about the tardiness of the doctor! I politely asked the receptionist if she knew how much longer it would be before I see the doctor because I have to return to work ASAP. Here's how the conversation went:
"What time was your appointment?" (R)
"It was supposed to be at 9:00." (me)
"Nine o'clock! Why didn't you say anything earlier? Who checked you in?"
"You did."
(With a shocked look on her face) "Well, let me see ... "
From there she went on to discover that she had forgotten to give my papers to the nurse, who assumed that I had just not shown up for my appointment. Ten more minutes and I was in with the doctor who was poking and prodding, asking the typical questions. He looked extremely puzzled with my situation and finally asked "So, what does your husband do?" Thinking that he was making general conversation I answered that Brandon works for The Jazz. As soon as the words rolled out of my mouth his face lit up and he told me that I needed bloodwork done, an MRI and some other forms of tests. I really didn't think anything of it until now. Had I told him that my husband was just an intern for The Jazz and that we were living in my parents' basement, would he have suggested I get all of these tests? Did he feel even the slightest remorse for prescribing three different medications for me, none of which I needed, and of course were not covered by insurance? Does he realized that each time I go visit a doctor I have a $25 copay on top of which I have to miss at least two hours of work for which I am not paid? Not to say that the doctor would try to cause me harm in any of this, I'm sure that these tests are just precautionary. But it is just very frustrating to have to go back to the doctor five times in one month only to say that I need more tests. I think I'm going to find a new doctor ...
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5 comments:
Yeah, doctor's are pretty much using you for your money and time. They feel that just because they have the white coat on they can do whatever they want and make you wait forever and a freakin' day. And I'm sure that the girls behind the counter just put everyone on hold while they tell all of the other stupid/lazy girls in the office about this guy she likes who doesn't even know she exists!
Your doctor is fired.
hmmm...im pretty sure he's not using you for you money or time, he is of course a doctor. as far as the receptionist, good help is hard to find! as for your time and money, your health is more important than any amount of money or time you have to spend on it!
morgan
ahh doctors, the very profession I hope to someday practice. Though I am not a doctor yet, I may have some insight into this little episode. First, the receptionist/nurse: worthless, unless she has a name like La'Vern and has knee-high stalking falling down around her ankles with sweet, pasty legs full of vericose veins and shins that have not seen a razor since the 50's, she going to be an utter nin-cum-poop. Next, brings me to the Doctor: I do have to have some sympathy for this individual. Yes, it might have appeared that he was just trying to line his pockets with some innocent, unsuspecting patient's insurance money but that may not be the case. That look he gave you after you told him Brandon's profession, sounded a lot like gas! Who knows, his mid morning double-decker, chili cheese egg McMuffin taquito from Whattaburger could have been kicking in right then and there. Given the urgency of the matter, his best response would be to rattle off some tests and a few prescriptions just to get out of the room and make you feel like you got your money's worth for the visit. This was just a case of bad timing.
hi
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