Health Care Emergency

Nurse Nancy

"Mama called the doctor, and the doctor said"

"What insurance do you have? Oh. Sorry. We don't take patients without insurance."

—OR—

"For a non-insured patient we require a $250 deposit before you can see the doctor."

—OR—

"A new patient visit (with the physician's assistant) is $200, payable when you sign in."

—AND THEN—

"Before we talk about hormones, we need a full blood work-up." ($1,000.)
"The blood work showed the possibility of a tumor. You need a CT scan." ($3500.)
"No tumor. But just to be safe, the doctor suggests removing your ovaries."
(This was over the phone. I'd seen the PA once for ten minutes.
I'd never even met the doctor.)

"Hysterectomy is routine at your age. You don't need that equipment anymore.
It means you won't get ovarian cancer."

—AND THEN—

When I didn't schedule the surgery, the real doctor called.
"Marty, I'm concerned about you!" she said.
(Yeah, right. I'm a file and a bunch of $ to you.)

"Actually, I'm concerned," I said.
" I came in for help with my severe hot flashes,
and immediately I'm told I need surgery.
I didn't think hysterectomies were routine anymore."

"Oh, we do them all the time!
They're my bread and butter."

I tell this story when someone notices my horrible hot flashes.
"You need to go to another doctor.
You need a second opinion," they say.

—AND THEN—

"Dr. Smith's Office. What kind of insurance do you have?
Oh? We'll need a credit card deposit for an appointment.
And there's an extra new patient fee."

Doctor Dan

Oh yes. I have health issues.
And I'm SO HAPPY they're talking about it!
I will be, too.

(This post was republished on 3/20/2010.)