That is so frustrating! I would love to hear from someone who knows more about the "behind the scenes" paperwork/billing side of this story!
A slightly similar thing happened when we went to meet and interview pediatricians for 10 minute appointments (no exam), and one doctor charged us while the others counted it as a free consultation. I called the "charging" doctor's office, and they said once an appointment is "in the system", that it is automatically billed to insurance. I find that hard to believe that they let a system dictate their billing and practice...is there really not a great big "undo" button?
Perhaps this is your doctor's office system as well?
Either way, I say "let it go". As Carolyn Hax says: (sorry---an advice columnist): "follow your bliss". Don't worry about the smaller things in life that are unfair at this moment...there is plenty of time to "fight the fight" and help save the world from injustice and unethical practices.
Another way to reframe this: What are your options?
You can let your doctor and the office manager know in person that you disagree with their policy, and ask for clarification of the policy in person. That will make you feel better that you stood up for yourself, let them know that you disagree, and maybe learn that there is a good reason (ha!) for this policy. And, is it a "policy" or one lazy person who didn't want to do extra paperwork?
Afterwards, what are your options? Change doctors?
Right now, in my humble opinion, it may be a great time for you to take your positive energy and focus on getting better, and prioritizing what is most important in this situation:
1. doctor who is competent, credible, licensed, experienced & expert with my particular condition
2. doctor who I connect with in a patient-doctor relationship, who treats me with respect, explains procedures
3. doctor is highly recommended by people/sources I trust
4. doctor who is ethical in practice
5. location and convenience, as well as affordable
What are your thoughts? Is this a good way to feel empowered to find more information from the doctor/office, let them know you disagree , and then YOU have the power to choose to continue with their service or take your business elsewhere. If you choose to stay with this doctor who is highly recommended, reframe your thoughts about the doctor from being "unethical" (unless you have other information) and frame it as an "unfortunate office policy".
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Hi Todd,
That is so frustrating! I would love to hear from someone who knows more about the "behind the scenes" paperwork/billing side of this story!
A slightly similar thing happened when we went to meet and interview pediatricians for 10 minute appointments (no exam), and one doctor charged us while the others counted it as a free consultation. I called the "charging" doctor's office, and they said once an appointment is "in the system", that it is automatically billed to insurance. I find that hard to believe that they let a system dictate their billing and practice...is there really not a great big "undo" button?
Perhaps this is your doctor's office system as well?
Either way, I say "let it go". As Carolyn Hax says: (sorry---an advice columnist): "follow your bliss". Don't worry about the smaller things in life that are unfair at this moment...there is plenty of time to "fight the fight" and help save the world from injustice and unethical practices.
Another way to reframe this: What are your options?
You can let your doctor and the office manager know in person that you disagree with their policy, and ask for clarification of the policy in person. That will make you feel better that you stood up for yourself, let them know that you disagree, and maybe learn that there is a good reason (ha!) for this policy. And, is it a "policy" or one lazy person who didn't want to do extra paperwork?
Afterwards, what are your options? Change doctors?
Right now, in my humble opinion, it may be a great time for you to take your positive energy and focus on getting better, and prioritizing what is most important in this situation:
1. doctor who is competent, credible, licensed, experienced & expert with my particular condition
2. doctor who I connect with in a patient-doctor relationship, who treats me with respect, explains procedures
3. doctor is highly recommended by people/sources I trust
4. doctor who is ethical in practice
5. location and convenience, as well as affordable
What are your thoughts? Is this a good way to feel empowered to find more information from the doctor/office, let them know you disagree , and then YOU have the power to choose to continue with their service or take your business elsewhere. If you choose to stay with this doctor who is highly recommended, reframe your thoughts about the doctor from being "unethical" (unless you have other information) and frame it as an "unfortunate office policy".
August 8, 2008 - 6:47amThis Comment
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