3 Comments

Comment by John Qualls on July 4, 2008 at 7:17am

Ahh, you have hit a nerve with me!!! This happens to me everytime I go. Current record; 90 minutes in waiting room (that why they call it waiting room) and 90 minutes in the 'butcher paper' room.
It has become such a painful expierence that I usually let the issues pile up so I can get them all solved at once. (can't be good for me) Of course, this backfired. I went to the demartoligist with a typed list of 5 issues. After waiting 45 minutes the doctor came in. I gave here the list. She paused and said, "Which ones of these issues is the most important to you?, I only have time to treat 1 of these today. You'll have to schedule a another appointment to address the other issues." What the h3ll is that? Service?
Now that I have ranted a bit... I've tried to look at this from the doctors side. Big medical education bills, rules galore from insurance companies, high malpractice insurance cost, etc. It's enough to suck the passion out of anyone. I can see how they see the only way out is to create this ultimate efficient machine that maximizes the financial return of their time and methods around what is paid for and how.
My family and I are currently on vacation and on the 12 hour car ride this came up. A few things were discussed.
Remember when . . . they had company doctors/clinics? Doctor fees where simple? (you paid for their time, not your symptom) Clinics served communities and not networks?
What happened to sucess thru merit? Who is the better doctor; the one who sees the most patients or the one who impacts the quality of life of more patients?
Would you waive your right to sue if you could pay less? Could you use that savings to pick the doctor that provides the best service? Something about this sounds familiar, put my money where it fits my needs the most and provides me with the most value. The American way?

Comment by Rae Kridel on July 4, 2008 at 6:58pm

Ok, two things. For pediatrics, Dr. Alan Schwartz. He's incredibly kind and patient, always takes extra time playing with my son and talking to him (and to me) and we always get in on time. If I show up early, I sometimes even get in early. His staff is friendly and very understanding. 879-9777.

And just because you sound like you could use this from time to time, Dr. Timothy Walbridge, a.k.a. Dr. Housecall. He practices Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, and ONLY does housecalls. He comes in a high tech van with lots of equipment, treats you on the spot, bills your insurance, refers you to additional services if he can't provide them at your house, will send his records to your regular physician and keep them informed of your treatment. 645-6303. He's fairly new to town, with a new practice and his wife is an OB/GYN.

Comment by Carol Coots on July 17, 2008 at 6:30pm

I have been in the medical field for 20+ years in the billing, coding, auditing, training field to help both medical clients and patients also. I recently perform a medical mystery shopping. The office I am going to suggest has a fabulous physician (& they are working to improve front office staff). This physician is Dr. Gerald Mick, St. Vincent Health Primary Care Network, in Carmel. It takes a very lot to impress me after working in this field for so many years. I gave him a 9 out of a 10 scale on the evaluation. He might be someone to try.

Add a Comment