Did you ever pick the wrong Doc? - Page 4

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

@Lipstickdiva I wonder how prevalent this practice is throughout the United States...startling information. Are ERs are going to become the new norm by default.

@Lipstickdiva wrote:
I don't know what the rules are for medicare but in my area, with most practices, in order to switch PCPs you have to become an established patient with the practice. That means you have to have a wellness exam with them first. And many practices have a wait time of 8-12 months for a wellness exam. Not to mention my insurance will pay for 1 wellness exam per year.

If you aren't established is a PCP and you have an illness, you are almost forced to an Urgent Care because no one will take you if you aren't considered their patient.

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

@granddi I'd be interested in learning what your research reveals. I just learned of the concierge service ... not wanting a limited amount of minutes per patient with their MD, and having to pay extra in order to develop a relationship with MD is worth it to those that can afford it. This used to be standard...I think the computer requirements (necessary for everything now on electronic records) have somewhat usurped your allotted time with your doctor. And, as you say the required computer form questions don't always address the medical issues at hand. Also the influx of people into our country has impacted our medical system. I don't envy doctors these days or the patients.

I also read an AMA article that researched and found those with Medical Advantage Plans are refused requested patient tests more often due to the cost burden vs original Medicare patients. Apparently this was suspected, but now documented. This makes me rethink my medical coverage.

hckynutjohn · ‎06-15-2015

@phoenixbrd wrote:
@Jk9 Yes, it is sad and unfortunately getting worse. The influx of medical patients will mean even less time with your MD looking at a computer screen to ask the required questions while typing. Herding patients through with minimal time slots, I can't believe any MD signed up for this. We have to pay additional premium concierge" prices for what should be routinely covered by your medical plan.

@Jk9 wrote:
@phoenixbrd There is a medical practice near me that provides "concierge" services. Sad that individual attention is considered an add on...

@phoenixbrd wrote:
Yes, it is sad and unfortunately getting worse. The influx of medical patients will mean even less time with your MD looking at a computer screen to ask the required questions while typing.

Herding patients through with minimal time slots, "I can't believe any MD signed up for this".

@phoenixbrd

I have 2 doctors(MD) in my immediate family and several friends, through hockey, that are also medical doctors.

Almost all of them have said they would like to have their own practices. There were 3 that tried until financially it was no longer viable for them. They could set their own time allotments per patient, and also choose the office hours that worked best for the majority of their patients.

When they are in a Group Practice, they are limited in the "do's and can't do's". My nephew-in-law has now into his 3rd Group because he just could not follow the Group's "set in stone rules".

I am fortunate to have many doctors that are friends, several which are specialists in their fields. As I said in my othe post in this thread, I have never picked the wrong doctor, and I have had way more than an average number over the years.

I started my own adult hockey league and ran it solo for 52 years. There was no answering to anyone about how I ran it, or the rules I made for every player.

Could have easily, in later years, joined other adult leagues, but chose not to because I did not anyone but myself to decide what I did and/or why. Harder work? You bet, but having total control, was worth the many extra hours I put into it.

Like my 33 year job. Many asked me why I didn't want to move up the chain! My reply always the same: "I want to be at the very bottom, where I follow the dictates, or at the very top, where I answer to no one. In between? No thank you".

hckynut 🇺🇸

hckynut(john)

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

I am in WV, and have noticed a tremendous difference in local medical care since our providers are participating in the "pay for performance system".

Conversation during a visit is almost non existent since the provider must complete the in depth computer documentation needed for that visit.

I left a practice 3 years ago because the DO and PA expected all patients to take the meds they were prescribing, no questions asked. All they were interested in was following protocol for a patients medical issue, fully documenting each visit, getting good reviews, and hopefully receiving a high grade for compliance that means more money for their practice.

Other criteria that apply to my providers pay for performance for my care include the documentation for me having a Living Will on file, DNR (if applicable), Medicare wellness exam, etc.

I see myself as a good patient, take care of my issues, stay up to date with all vaccines and testing, and keep my appts, but have made it very clear since my first appt that I will not be a walking pharmacy. If you don't have time to discuss a health issue with me, DO NOT expect to submit a prescription and begin to think I will take it.

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

@CelticCrafter wrote:
@Lipstickdiva wrote:
I don't know what the rules are for medicare but in my area, with most practices, in order to switch PCPs you have to become an established patient with the practice. That means you have to have a wellness exam with them first. And many practices have a wait time of 8-12 months for a wellness exam. Not to mention my insurance will pay for 1 wellness exam per year.

If you aren't established is a PCP and you have an illness, you are almost forced to an Urgent Care because no one will take you if you aren't considered their patient.
It's just my opinion, unless you are in an HMO and are required to have a PCP because of specialist referrals, they're useless. They treat nothing but common illnesses, everything else you get told to go see a specialist.

@CelticCrafter , knock on wood, I've not had any illnesses recently that forced me to a specialist. My PCP has been able to handle everything. I would never go without a PCP because I don't want to be treated by an Urgent Care for illnesses. I want a doctor who knows me and my situation and history.

granddi · ‎03-16-2010

@RedTop I hate it when people change the subject of the thread but........you mentioned DNR.

Our friends had DNR that were not in their medical files. They had an agreement with each other that after 3 days on a vent then life support would be removed. He was on a vent for 9 days with COVID. When he was removed from the vent, he said he thought it had been only 3 days bc of their agreement. Can you even imagine if the DNR had been in his permanent file.

Yes, this pay for performance system is not working. At my visit, I was being interviewed by the assistant. At one point I said "Is this where we talk about throw rugs."

I just filled out another specialist previsit form. Questions about food insecurity, financial security. I wondered if social work referrals are made if people indicate a problem.

By reading the comments from all, I know that my experience was not unique. Those who have found thorough, kind, non-hurried doc, consider yourself fortunate.

kate2357 · ‎02-26-2012

@hckynutjohn

I did that today...walked out on the nurse practioner and told her she was horrible at her job. I was there for a specific purpose and that's what I said when I made appointment. I get there and she is someone I don't know, she's telling me I am there for a physical and I tell her no, I'm here for X reason and she screams NO YOU ARE HERE FOR A PHYSICAL! My goodness, it was 15-20 minutes of me trying to get her to understand my concerns and she's yelling at me. I'm 64 and have never had a confrontational medical visit.

Horrible day. But 3 phone calls later and maybe I will have my issue addressed next week.

"What we practice daily is what we build a life on. Practice peace, love & kindness."

simonegr · ‎06-01-2022

Definetely! Had a major dissapointing experience in this botox clinic. The results were too much, I looked like a lion! I became very insecure, was afraid to go anywhere.

When I complained, they told me there was nothing they could do. Since then I have a new clinic and I am never switching again. Nice people, really listen to what tell them, and natural results only:-)

panda1234 · ‎04-27-2015

@phoenixbrd wrote:
@granddi @Jk9 And this is practicing medicine. I think being a medical doctor must be as frustrating today as it is for the patient. I met someone yesterday that said he and his wife pay additional coverage for "concierge" doctors...meaning they pay extra to see doctors that consult with a few patients a day rather than dozens. @granddi I hope you find an acceptable doctor.

@phoenixbrd I have been with my concierge doctor for 9 years. It is well worth the money. Most of the PCs in my area are part of a concierge service.

violann · ‎03-10-2010

@Desertdi wrote:
New eye doc....YELLED at me because he "figured" I must be deaf. Then he treated me like a child because he figured I was senile. THEN told me I was almost blind because he thought I was dumb.

Prescribed new glasses, and they were no different script than the previous one..... Where do these "professionals" get their training???

That would be a "first visit"/"last visit" scenario for me.