Dr. Charged $5,000 B/4 Surgery
I have been noticing some mail about up front charges by certain Doctors before
they will perform the surgery. But first let me tell you about my self. I had
my by-pass surgery Jan. 15th. It has been a struggle, but one I can handle. I
am now able to eat more normally, by that I mean more than a couple of tbl. at
a time. I can now enjoy eating out, however not with the gusto I did prior to
surgery. I seem to have quite a few bladder infections. I have never had them
prior to this surgery. I also struggle with arthritis and swollen ankles. I am
still unable to take any meds for this per Doctors orders, thus I have not
returned to work as my job requires that I be 100%. I work with handicapped
children. I still have trouble getting enough liquids in. But other than these
few problems I am feeling great. I have lost 40 pounds. I am satisfied with
this loss and try not to be preoccupied with the scales.
Prior to surgery my Doctor asked me for $5000 to be paid before he would
operate. As he explained, he no longer participates with our insurance carrier
so the patient must now pay him directly as all insurance money will be sent to
the patient. He made it sound as if the money was collateral encase I did not
turn over the insurance checks. Well I have turned over all insurance money and
forms explaining what to apply each check to and so far I have not gotten one
cent of my $5000 back. I suspect that I will not get much if any back. His
bills far exceeded what my insurance company paid. I suspect that is why he no
longer participates as he wanted to be reimbursed more. So now he is able to
bill the patient directly. I just don’t understand why he was not honest with
me from the beginning about this. He told me that he had a patient that went on
vacation with the insurance check therefore he now charges $5,000 before he
operates to insure he gets something and I would be reimbursed the difference.
He charges for each and every visit. I receive the bill the day after my visit.
He also has no support groups or nutritional help, and his building is not
handicapped accessible. He poured new concrete for his front steps and never
adjusted the rails. So the rails come to my knees and I must use near by bushes
to help me get up the steps. Once in the building there are about six or seven
more steps to go up. You might ask why did I go to him. Well, he practices in
my community and in the months prior to surgery I heard nothing but good
comments about his skills. I suspected that his after care was not as good as
what I hear many of you talking about. But I find this sight helpful and it
makes up a little bit for what I am not getting through my doctor. It is very
hard going to him knowing he has my $5000 and doesn’t care enough to put proper
rails in his entrance. I have asked my internist if she would take care of me
if I could no longer go to him. She said she would but that my surgeon is known
for very detailed follow-up care, but is lacking in the support structure.
Tomorrow I see him again. Somehow I must approach the subject of my money
without making further visits impossible.
Thanks for letting me sound off.
Chris
258/ now 218