You all know it, and yet, we all put up with it saying to ourselves, “there is nothing I can do about it.” PERIOD. End of sentence. No, it’s not about politics, it is about our health care system and the administrators, doctors and insurance companies, including our beloved Medicare system. I also take blame directly on me; for putting up with the sham that is our medical system. I do blame some of it on Obamacare but that is the match that lit the fuse. But I digress.
Let me provide an example. First off, I could have used any medical institution, but I will focus on two that have overcooked my grits.
I went to a new dentist. They advertised a special for an exam and cleaning and I took the bait. While having to wait 45 minutes in a freezing waiting room, my dental assistant began the examination with several x-rays, a probing of my gums and then, after I have been sweet talked, I was given the sales pitch on deep cleaning − but they could take care of it in no time and by the way, you may have to replace some teeth. I had little to no examination, no time with the doctor, and the most time was spent with the checkout specialist who presented me with several options, several ways to pay for it and at a low interest rate of 9.9%. My cleaning never happened; I was charged for extra x-rays and was pressured to make a decision while I was standing at the checkout line. I did not get charged the special rate but a rate for the services they performed. Shysters would be the Hebrew word my dad would have used. NO, I did not continue with my new dentist. And they had the audacity to ask for a review? Right.
Second is a bit more convoluted but still pertinent. This one is a doosy.
I was looking for an internist for regular visits and through a list of tens of doctors, I chose one open to new patients. The first available appointment for new patient was six months out. I called several others, most not highlighting accepting new patients and each one was six months out. Same with dentists and chiropractors. I chose one who had a cancellation at four months out. It was available because the patient had passed away. For the visit, I spent ten minutes online creating my folder, answering 50 or so questions and filling in all sorts of information. At the office, I filled out another short form and with 20 or so of my closest friends, we watch “This Old House” as a distraction.
Why are all medical facilities so cold? I learned to bring a sweatshirt, but it is 85 degrees outside. I think there is something to this, but I have not figured that one out yet.
I was led into a freezing examination room, a pretty girl did my vitals, asked more questions, and told me the doctor would be right in. Forty minutes later, the doctor came in, seemed rushed and distracted. He spent the next ten minutes reading my file, talking into a dictation mic and generally, going through the motions. Some routine tests, reflex, stethoscope on the heart and lungs, and a few questions. Not one question was “and why are you here today.” He did tell me a patient yelled at him for an extremely long wait. A few minutes later, I had a follow-up appointment six months from now. Three prescriptions and a referral to a specialist. My deductible was 60 dollars.
The specialist not once asked why I was there. But online forms, extensive waiting and a freezing office were the only constant I could tell. And yes, three prescriptions later, I was out the door. Sixty dollars please.
And because the specialist could not assist, I was referred, again, to another specialist. Sixty dollars please.
This story goes on and on and I see no break in the storm.
So, from research, AI and a little bit of inside info, I learned the scam. Because Medicare has very low pricing for the doctors, they must make up the difference in the number of patients they see. Here is the math. Pre-2000, an office visit was about 120 dollars. Today, Medicare reimburses the doctor 35 dollars. So, the doctor must see four patients to make up for lost revenue. Speed is the new Medicare. The doctor also gets a “kick back” for prescriptions, and a referral fee for the specialist. You get a rushed doctor, a cold waiting room and a bill for 60 dollars. All Obamacare did was push more into a system that cares more about revenue than health.
Tell me I am wrong.
Jack Holt is a Cape Coral resident.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Speed is the new Medicare | Opinion
Reporting by Jack Holt / Fort Myers News-Press
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