While we had our little guy here for several days, I sort of
put everything else aside and just concentrated on him. Once he went home, and
after I could take a breather, I began to catch up on newspapers, mail, and
chores. One of my postal items was a letter from my neurologist, and it really
floored me (well, not literally, but…)
He has decided he will now be a “concierge” doctor, and will
be available 24/7 by phone, email, texts, and fax. Doesn’t that sound
fantastic!! Wait – read a bit more. “We are no longer taking medical
insurances.” They have two options: join a plan with an annual fee (of course
the amount isn’t mentioned) or pay a fee-for-service at “a lower cash price.” (They
cite as an example the $75 follow-up visit.)
Now, keep in mind, I do have disability Medicare and I pay a
monthly fee for additional insurance through BC/BS. With that, I only paid a
co-pay of $35 for specialists’ visits. Now, I’ll pay a fee for each visit that’s
more than twice the amount of the co-pay! I can’t stop my insurance because it
covers ALL my doctors, not just Dr. High and Mighty! My husband read the two-page letter three
times, thinking there had to be a better explanation. (I read it once, got it,
and exploded!)
Don’t get me wrong – in the beginning, he was fantastic. He
was kind and gentle, and he took the time to listen to his patients. He was a
young, single father of two little boys, and he’d relate their antics to me
when I’d ask how they were. Then he expanded his practice, and it became
difficult to get appointments in a timely manner. His nurse/receptionist was a
crack! She always had a smile and some silly anecdote to ease your tension. She
even went to the hospital the day I had the spinal tap, just to hold my hand. She
got fired, and was replaced by these officious clerks. One good thing with all
this – his nurse practitioner is now gone. I read that the doc remarried, and
he’s appeared on the society pages. He also began doing those talks that are
paid for by the drug companies. I guess he still needs more money.
The next step I’m supposed to take is calling the office to discuss
my transition with the “Director of Concierge Services.” I watch a show on USA
network, called “Royal Pains,” about a concierge doctor in the Hamptons. Maybe
my neuro saw the show and got the idea! All I’m certain of at this point is
that I really can’t afford this “wonderful service.” So, I’ll call and let them
know (rats, my Lenten plan calls for me to be kind to others!) and I’ll be
shopping for a new doctor. One more interesting thing – “As of February 1st,
this change will be permanently in effect.” I got the letter on February 24th!!
Does anyone else have this type of neurologist? Is there
something I’m missing? Am I just a hothead? I’m so at a loss right now.
Peace,
Muff
