[shrink]

I am writing this post to warn others of fraud and abuse which apparently is rampant in Florida. Medicare has established a separate fraud department specifically to investigate Florida claims! Specifically, I saw a cardiologist after my husband was referred to one. It was recommended to me by that cardiologist that I have an initial workup because of my family history and a past hx of smoking. I was asymptomatic, but told that heart disease presents differently in women. Better safe than sorry, right? I was immediately referred for a nuclear stress test (never offered the option of a cardio treadmill stress test). That test cost in excess of $2400., whereas the treadmill test would have been $174.00. Hmmm...never mind, as Medicare and my private insurance were also charged for the treadmill test (which I never had). As a result of the "equivocal" findings on the stress test, it was recommended that I start on Digoxin and also have an invasive angiogram (thousands more) to see what's going on. In the meantime, I was given several other tests, including sonograms, leg studies, etc. which I have since discovered EVERYONE who sees this doctor is given. I decided to seek a second opinion from a reputable cardiologist out of state. That doctor (and I) requested records be sent a total of FIVE times. No records were sent until I called the cardiologist down here and threatened legal action. I now understand why those records weren't sent as requested. It was because there is NOTHING WRONG with my heart, as per my second opinion! By the way, my husband was given all the same tests AND underwent the angiogram...and there was nothing wrong with him, either). My reason for writing this post is to make all Villagers aware of what can go on here. Be sure to carefully check all of your medicare/private insurance statements to see what you've been billed for. Do NOT engage in a ton of tests without getting a second opinion for someone highly reputable. Just because you may not have to pay for those tests directly, we all pay indirectly. Although I'm sure that some of the physicians here are honest, are not referring to establishments where they have financial interests for unnecessary tests or to specialists with whom there is some kind of reciprocity, many are. PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION.