Your DR appointments?

[Heartnsoul]

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?

[Tblue]

I have had 2 video calls with my Dr. The office should give you the web site or how to for the video. It actually was pretty good both times. I had my list of questions, he had my labs. Over all it seemed I had more time and had his attention for the entire time, there seemed to be almost no small talk all business. Fortunately I did not need any physical exam, just questions.

[retiredguy123]

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?
Yes, they do charge the same as an office visit. And, I agree with you. I don't like it. I remember when my doctor would call me the same day or next day with test results and didn't charge anything. Now, you have to make an appointment and wait longer to get the results, and the doctor charges you as if you came into the office for an in person visit.

[graciegirl]

Yes, they do charge the same as an office visit. And, I agree with you. I don't like it. I remember when my doctor would call me the same day or next day with test results and didn't charge anything. Now, you have to make an appointment and wait longer to get the results, and the doctor charges you as if you came into the office for an in person visit.

I live in the real world where viruses live and kill. I/we all three love our doctor and this Zoom call is a way to protect us and him and the receptionist, the nurse, the PA etc..

He has our bloodwork and if we have questions we ask him. I have an oximeter, and a blood pressure cuff and I am on a monitor for my pacemaker. All that info I can provide him.

I am sure in a very short time now we will be able to make appointments and see our medical people in person. The VACCINE is here and being administered. It won't be long now.

[retiredguy123]

I live in the real world where viruses live and kill. I/we all three love our doctor and this Zoom call is a way to protect us and him and the receptionist, the nurse, the PA etc..

He has our bloodwork and if we have questions we ask him. I have an oximeter, and a blood pressure cuff and I am on a monitor for my pacemaker. All that info I can provide him.

I am sure in a very short time now we will be able to make appointments and see our medical people in person. The VACCINE is here and being administered. It won't be long now.
I hope you are correct about being able to make appointments after the virus goes away. But, now, I am being charged for phone calls that used to be free. They are using the virus as an excuse to schedule a phone call and get $100 for a 5 minute call. I complained to my insurance company, but they said it is allowed because of the virus.

[stanley]

I've had many one on one visits with my doc during this "epidemic" ....neither of us has suffered

[JoMar]

I have the option of personal visit or virtual. I prefer virtual, saves both of us time and he has the lab results as do I since they are posted through the portal. I take my BP, O2 and temp at home so I have that data. Not sure what a personal visit gets me.

[Lynnesail]

I think Drs should always get paid for their time, why should they work for free?

[villageuser]

I prefer the tele-visits. Last week, my doctor’s office did not let me know I had the option to do a tele-visit to get further information regarding my lab work. I had to drive to her office - 25 minutes. I waited for an hour - no doctor. Asked how much longer and was told she’d had to go to the hospital for a discharge (seriously?!). I said I had other things I had to do, and left. She ended up calling me in the evening, and we chatted about my results. I got the information I needed, I didn’t have to drive anywhere, and I didn’t have to wait for a doctor who wasn’t even at her office. Oh! I should mention - and I didn’t have to worry about any virus. Give me a tele-visit any time, even after the pandemic is over, whenever appropriate.

[golfing eagles]

I think Drs should always get paid for their time, why should they work for free?

Personally, I never charged for phone calls. If I wanted to, I would have become a lawyer:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Rsenholzi]

I have had several of these calls. The first the PA could not get the sound to work. It took 6 calls back and forth and we finally used the phone. I had to use my iPad to show them an allergic rash I had and then had to have them call me back to talk about it. The next call happened the same way and the PA finally used his own phone to FaceTime me and then passed the phone onto the dr. This worked. The third call never happened as the dr cancelled and hour after my appt time and never bothered to call me to tell me this . Instead I sat around waiting for them and I finally called and said where is my call. Then they told me the dr is backed up and then 1/2 hour later it was cancelled saying the dr had an emergency with their child. Then they insisted on calling me the next day when I was unavailable . When I said I couldn’t , they refused to renew my meds. I’m not crazy about this method but I don’t want to go into the office and come in contact with COVID patients either . I am looking for a new dr now as I need my meds. Yes, they charged full price for each appt!

[doyle31]

What other area of your life can you get important information from a professional over the phone and expect to not get charged? Call your lawyer for specific advice and see if that is free or a mechanic at the local garage to help you out with repairs you are doing on your own car. I don’t understand why you think a doctor should not get paid for their professional advice, over the phone or in person doesn’t matter. .

[bowlingal]

I did the phone call...not happy with it. reading a bunch of numbers off a sheet, well...I can do that myself. I want the Dr. to see me, examine me, check my blood pressure, temp, listen to my heart and lungs. BTW, he charged the same amount to medicare.

[sara kallioinen]

Of course they charge the same for the visit. If you feel strongly about seeing them in person, insist on an in-person visit and keep your mask on.

[DannoMac]

You have the option to go into the office. If you are not comfortable with a teleconference opt for the in person.

[Eg_cruz]

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?
I have done two video apt and frankly I thought they went great......I Dr was running a little behind and stumbled a little with the app, but the Dr knew what was going on order my meds and off I went.
Best part I didn’t have to worry who was around me.

[Eg_cruz]

Yes, they do charge the same as an office visit. And, I agree with you. I don't like it. I remember when my doctor would call me the same day or next day with test results and didn't charge anything. Now, you have to make an appointment and wait longer to get the results, and the doctor charges you as if you came into the office for an in person visit.
My Dr charged a flat $50 per call

[Dgizzi]

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?
I wouldn’t do that either. I would find another doctor if you can. I have been too all my appointments in the past few months. I personally didn’t have an issue going into offices. And no I actually do medical billing, the price “should” be cheaper on phone call visit.

[BoatRatKat]

I love teleconferencing. It's much easier, saves driving and waiting room time and there's no risk of germs.

[Girlcopper]

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?
Theres a pandemic going on. Remember? Why would a dr want you in their office just to talk to you. This is convenient and easy and if you dont know how to do it, it doesnt make it bad. Learn how. What do you care what the insurance pays for it? Let them dispute it. Even after the pandemic, Im sure this will be a regular practice. Get used to it

[Mrmean58]

I hope you are correct about being able to make appointments after the virus goes away. But, now, I am being charged for phone calls that used to be free. They are using the virus as an excuse to schedule a phone call and get $100 for a 5 minute call. I complained to my insurance company, but they said it is allowed because of the virus.
It really doesn't matter what the insurance company pays your doctor what important is you get quality safe health care with no additional out of pocket cost. What would you say if you were charged more for an in person visit? Would you then be more open to telemed appointment? I've had two Telemed appts and they were both great discussion and very efficient.
Don't you think in this troublemose times you would opt for the safest appt possible?
Participating in a video(Telemed) dr appt is no more difficult than logging into a local blog to bitch about how you don't know how to do them.

[PugMom]

our dr.'s give us the option to do tele-appts. we did a few & were not satisfied by the 'visit.' you can request to see the dr. in person, by telling the office video calls are not satisfactory.

[retiredguy123]

You have the option to go into the office. If you are not comfortable with a teleconference opt for the in person.
It's not always an option.

[newgirl]

Not always, I didnt / don't.

[newgirl]

Are you a doc in The Villages or close?

[banjobob]

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as officesit? Am I the only one not happy over this?

I have experienced video and phone visits and. Have been very satisfied with both. Saves me time and get desired results, if a serious issue the Doctor will see you. I recommend both for routine checkups.

[retiredguy123]

It really doesn't matter what the insurance company pays your doctor what important is you get quality safe health care with no additional out of pocket cost. What would you say if you were charged more for an in person visit? Would you then be more open to telemed appointment? I've had two Telemed appts and they were both great discussion and very efficient.
Don't you think in this troublemose times you would opt for the safest appt possible?
Participating in a video(Telemed) dr appt is no more difficult than logging into a local blog to bitch about how you don't know how to do them.
I would agree, but I am now charged a $25 copay every time the doctor calls me, even for a 5 minute call, and he bills the call as an office visit. Before the virus, he used to call with a routine test result and there was no charge. And, you usually cannot get an in-person appointment. Some doctors are obviously taking advantage of the virus situation with no increase in safety.

[bchannon]

I too was skeptical initially of my doctor’s office offer to handle a consultation by a video call. However I found my doctor more relaxed and with more time available to answer questions following up on recent test results. And yes, “telemedicine” is now being reimbursed by major insurance carriers and Medicare.

[oneclickplus]

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?

That's ridiculous. The only reason they want the phone call is for billing. No doctor can evaluate you over the phone; especially without video. How would he / she notice anything physical. A buddy of mine was offered a video call for a heart check up. How the hell will they do an EKG to check his heart over the phone / internet. Answer: they won't. But the "appointment" would be billable and that's the main reason for these virtual doctor's visits. If I don't get to see a doctor, I'm not paying a doctor.

And, yes, they will charge the SAME high price as they would for an office visit.

[merrymini]

Fear of this virus, media and politically driven, has people going batty. This tele stuff is okay for more routine issues but a doctor can see things that you are not telling them about or notice irregularities which may be subtle. I would like to meet the mechanic who can fix your car over the phone.

[BobTina]

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?

We’ve talked on video with ease. The nurse called us first to go over BP and other minors issues. The same way you would talk to nurse before seeing doctors. Then we got email from doctor office wi link. We clicked on the link and gave it permission to use our camera and speaker on our computer then we saw or doctors on video. We talked like we normally do at doctors office. It saves our gas and we didn’t have to worry about catching covid19 or colds from other people.

[richs631]

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?

Yes they charge insurance, yes they charge deductible. I guess they are looking to limit the number of patients in the waiting room because of Covid. I do it but if it’s something minor like asking me a few questions to renew my prescription

[jammendolia]

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?
I have done several And I don’t mind them at all

[pcacace]

Usually you don’t get charged after a medical procedure if you make phone calls w questions to your dr. This is the case w us. You don’t have to accept a video call if you want to see the Dr. it all depends on your problem.

[NotGolfer]

I see several physicians for various issues. My pcp and I have never done the tele-visits. I've seen her in office a handful of times. My rheumatologist seems more wary---I've had 2 televisits with her and one in office. I prefer the in-office as I think it would be difficult to treat a patient otherwise, especially as we grow older. They can listen to our heart and look at our various body parts and maybe discover something they'd miss via a computer screen. We have T.V. Health so our visits are never charged to us but when we see specialists, there is a co-pay. During "Rona" for a number of months the co-pay was waived but now I think they're back to collecting it.

[GaryKoca]

I am challenged by too much technology, but I found the zoom call easy to use. They provide you with a link that you click on to - very simple. They want zoom calls instead of telephone calls because they can charge more, frankly. But I prefer a zoom call over a telephone call. Neither is as good as an office visit, however.

[courtyard]

I have TV Health also, and since I don't have to take any meds, I canceled my yearly visits, and they canceled me. Now I don't have any doctor. Just try and cancel your yearly Wellness Visits and see what happens.

[lstevenson1470]

I like having the option of a tele-visit. I don't want to be sitting in a doctors office if I don't really have to be there, especially with Covid. Try the tele-visit. If you really don't like it, switch doctors to someone who can do office visits.

[Bill1701]

I have the option of personal visit or virtual. I prefer virtual, saves both of us time and he has the lab results as do I since they are posted through the portal. I take my BP, O2 and temp at home so I have that data. Not sure what a personal visit gets me.

That works for you but many of us don't have the equipment to get those numbers. The first video call I had they asked for my BP. I told them I had no idea. They seemed irritated that I didn't know and just asked what it was the last time I had it checked, which was several months ago.

[Pbthrockm@msn.com]

Have to agree not happy about. And I would think they charge same fee to insurance. But worth investigating.

[allsport]

You are protecting your doctor and yourself. If you have significant issues they will see you, if not, this is best for all. Buy a BP cuff, a pulse ox and a thermometer to keep check on your health. They are all cheap and automatic. They may save your life. Believe in science, it will save your life.

[tophcfa]

I prefer an in person, but I more strongly prefer not getting infected with Covid, so for now virtual will have to do. That being said, a few years ago my doctor saved my life during a routine screening examination that could only be done in person. There is no substitute for being in the physical presence of your doctor. Now, if they could find a way to get work done at the dentist virtually, I would be in on that.

[ken.yotz]

Most of these docs are not in private practice. They work for an "employer" who sets the rates. They charge what they do because they can. They have bought up much of the competition. I say this even though my son is in med school.

[KathyW]

I have a BCBS PPO and there is no co-pays for me on all tele visits. Check your insurance - you might not have a co-pay.

[rmd2]

Yes, they do charge the same as an office visit. And, I agree with you. I don't like it. I remember when my doctor would call me the same day or next day with test results and didn't charge anything. Now, you have to make an appointment and wait longer to get the results, and the doctor charges you as if you came into the office for an in person visit.

My doctor has me get my blood work 1 week before my regular appointment and she gives me the lab results then. This is the ethical way to do it.

[DAVES]

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?

I am not a doctor but covid 19 has been difficult for all. An office visit. You arrive, you likely need to touch door handles to get into the doctors office or push an elevator button etc. Then you sit in a chair to wait, fill out forms etc.

I don't like a phone visit either. Nothing is ever perfect. Irony-there was a story on the radio that dentists and staff are in the third string for getting a covid vaccine. As suggested by the person who phoned in they cannot possibly inspect your teeth, clean your teeth etc remotely.

I hope this will be over soon. Till then we all will be inconvenienced.

[claricecolin]

OYou are protecting your doctor and yourself. If you have significant issues they will see you, if not, this is best for all. Buy a BP cuff, a pulse ox and a thermometer to keep check on your health. They are all cheap and automatic. They may save your life. Believe in science, it will save your life.

All 3 can be brought from Amazon for less than $100 and are automatic. Wide variety depending on how many bells and whistles desired. I brought a pulse ox as soon as it was suggested. If you have history of high blood pressure it may be a benefit of your insurance. Frankly, who doesn't have a thermometer?
I like the option of Tele visit for routine visits. If it is something urgent or new then I want to be seen in person but skipping waiting room is best.

[DAVES]

Yes, they do charge the same as an office visit. And, I agree with you. I don't like it. I remember when my doctor would call me the same day or next day with test results and didn't charge anything. Now, you have to make an appointment and wait longer to get the results, and the doctor charges you as if you came into the office for an in person visit.

I am far from a computer nerd. Fortunately, I get away with sticking it on my wife-published secrets?

Far as tests, if you've never seen them, you can see your tests on line. It is easy to read and to understand. Your result was xxxx, normal range is xxxx. If, you result is higher or lower than the normal range, something is wrong. Your doctor then decides what to do about it. More tests? Drugs? Or possibly do nothing. Watch it over time etc.

[jcreason5616]

Once you try a video call you may be surprised at how great it is for basic visits. If you have a smart phone or pc it is not difficult. They should send you a link that you click on to connect.

[jcreason5616]

Time for a new doctor

[dadoiron]

I have had 2 video calls with my Dr. The office should give you the web site or how to for the video. It actually was pretty good both times. I had my list of questions, he had my labs. Over all it seemed I had more time and had his attention for the entire time, there seemed to be almost no small talk all business. Fortunately I did not need any physical exam, just questions.

Wouldn't do it. Cancelled. They called back later and allowed an in office visit.

Video chatting is only for those who don't understand their labs or need anything else checked out.

Yes they bill the same so expect a bill.

[Rosebud1949]

I did the phone call...not happy with it. reading a bunch of numbers off a sheet, well...I can do that myself. I want the Dr. to see me, examine me, check my blood pressure, temp, listen to my heart and lungs. BTW, he charged the same amount to medicare.
Bowlingal.........Yes I agree with this comment 100%...... It is real tough to get any Dr to look at you these days and not their laptop when you are in the same room, at least you can get their attention eventually face to face. Reading results over the phone and charging for them is robbery.

[stewiegal]

It's better than taking a chance of being exposed. Help keep the dr and staff healthy too.

[tvbound]

I'm looking forward to getting the Covid vaccine and the government mandated implant that will come with it. That way my doctor won't even need to call me, can just get my current health info straight from a computer and avoid the hassle of even talking on the phone.




(Now where's that conspiracy/sarcastic font - when you need it?)

[Dot Rheinhardt]

Either way Dr. won't spend more than 5 minutes with me.

[jimjamuser]

I've had many one on one visits with my doc during this "epidemic" ....neither of us has suffered
True that CV "lightning" may not have struck either you or your Doctor for that particular visit. But, CV like "lightning" does strike SOME people. You and your Doctor did have RISKS - he more than you because you see 1 Doctor - he sees multiple patients day-after-day. He has a problem of BIG risks. He is dealing with an elderly population, many with pre-conditions that pre-dispose them to having weak immune systems.

I wonder how that appointment went? You were inside in non-moving air, which is 15 times worse for CV than outside. That doesn't change just because someone has a "Doctor" title in front of their name. He or she is a human and you are a human - so you 2 needed to be separated by a MINIMUM of 6 ft. To minimize the risk you BOTH needed to have on an N-95 mask AND a clear visor - gloves and a PPE jacket would have also reduced risk. The US is deficient in PPEs compared to other countries. So, I DOUBT that you both were properly equipped for that encounter. And temperatures needed to be taken 1st. - and office surfaces wiped down with disinfectant. I can see why both Doctors and Patients (especially among predominantly older patients) would PREFER telemedicine.

For those who believe that I am overstating the precautions and the risks, many Doctors and experts on TV have stated that, "it is best to treat any person that you encounter as IF they had the CV".

[shirleyjerez]

I did it with my doctor and was fine w/ it. I was glad not to go out and get same amount of time with the doc.

[Curtisbwp]

I do NOT like it

[jimjamuser]

I have had several of these calls. The first the PA could not get the sound to work. It took 6 calls back and forth and we finally used the phone. I had to use my iPad to show them an allergic rash I had and then had to have them call me back to talk about it. The next call happened the same way and the PA finally used his own phone to FaceTime me and then passed the phone onto the dr. This worked. The third call never happened as the dr cancelled and hour after my appt time and never bothered to call me to tell me this . Instead I sat around waiting for them and I finally called and said where is my call. Then they told me the dr is backed up and then 1/2 hour later it was cancelled saying the dr had an emergency with their child. Then they insisted on calling me the next day when I was unavailable . When I said I couldn’t , they refused to renew my meds. I’m not crazy about this method but I don’t want to go into the office and come in contact with COVID patients either . I am looking for a new dr now as I need my meds. Yes, they charged full price for each appt!
A good story. Sorry that you got such a "run around". Hope that your new Doctor works out better. I believe that various rashes are on the increase because of increased mental stress, anxiety, and confusion during this period of CV. Yours might not be related? There is some question as to IF society can completely return to the "OLD" normal even after vaccines are universally available? That WILL be interesting to observe!

[yanksansky]

I made an appt in person at The Villages Health Center in Brownwood. They sent me an email and 12 page questionnarie. The nurse met me at the door and took the paperwork. My appointment was last Thursday. They check your temp etc. Doctor Jerry Jones was patient and took time to review my health. I was very happy with the care at this office.

[kcrazorbackfan]

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?

By video is the only way I’ll visit the doctor; I’ll not sit in the waiting room with a bunch of old people that drop their mask as soon as they leave the check in counter. I don’t know where they’ve been or who they’ve been around.

To each their own....

[jimjamuser]

Theres a pandemic going on. Remember? Why would a dr want you in their office just to talk to you. This is convenient and easy and if you dont know how to do it, it doesnt make it bad. Learn how. What do you care what the insurance pays for it? Let them dispute it. Even after the pandemic, Im sure this will be a regular practice. Get used to it
I agree with most of the post. Except for the part about - who cares what the insurance pays? Well, I do!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

My doctor's office charges the insurance company a reduced fee for phone or video visits, and I pay nothing at all for them. That's the contract FloridaBlue has with The Villages Health.

[jimjamuser]

I have TV Health also, and since I don't have to take any meds, I canceled my yearly visits, and they canceled me. Now I don't have any doctor. Just try and cancel your yearly Wellness Visits and see what happens.
That was a cute trick - I guess patients will have to join a "patients union" in order to offset the power of insurance companies and fight the system (management).

[jimjamuser]

Most of these docs are not in private practice. They work for an "employer" who sets the rates. They charge what they do because they can. They have bought up much of the competition. I say this even though my son is in med school.
That trend reminds me of factory farming and other greedy ways to restrict competition. Sounds like a MONOPOLY to me - with the patient and society being the loser!

[jimjamuser]

I am far from a computer nerd. Fortunately, I get away with sticking it on my wife-published secrets?

Far as tests, if you've never seen them, you can see your tests on line. It is easy to read and to understand. Your result was xxxx, normal range is xxxx. If, you result is higher or lower than the normal range, something is wrong. Your doctor then decides what to do about it. More tests? Drugs? Or possibly do nothing. Watch it over time etc.
That is good advice to follow your blood test results over time. Reading them is like reading a foreign language written in shorthand, very difficult! - but important. Iron and magnesium deficiencies can increase as people age. My basic blood test does not include them. Wish that I knew more about that?

[JohnN]

I had a video call for a minor item, it was OK. Nothing like the real thing though if it's important.

[Mustagotlost]

I have had 3 Zoom Drs. meetings and will continue virtual visits until the vaccinated. :coolsmiley:

[John_W]

I've had two video doctor visits this year, one with Villages Heath at Brownwood and the other with my VA doctor at Mulberry. No problem connecting with either, you have a camera on you computer and you go to the link they provide about 5 minutes before the appointment and that is all there to it. I don't use the speakers on my computer, I always use earplugs and they have a built in mike, so it worked perfect for hearing and speaking. My last Brownwood appointment I did go in person because I got a new doctor, Dr. Rashid and she is very good, much better than my previous Brownwood doctor.

[Bertram00]

I had a Dr appt for thursday but received call from office that DR wants to do a video call. I'm not interested as dont even know how to do that. So she said we can do telephone call then. Although I wasn't happy I said ok but wondering how everyone is feeling about this. Wonder if DR charges insurance co same price for phone as office visit? Am I the only one not happy over this?

I am okay with some follow up visits by phone especially if the main thing is to review lab results. I don't like the fact that some doctors seem to be using the health crisis as an excuse to get paid for a phone call with little work from them or their staff. For example, I had an appointment scheduled for December 3 and the same day they called to tell me the doctor no longer was in that local office on that day of the week and wanted to know if a phone visit was okay or if I wanted to reschedule. Mind you there were no labs to discuss so this visit normally would have involved my vitals and possibly other testing. I was aggravated that knowing he had changed his office schedule they hadn't notified me sooner, and so I asked to reschedule. This was on a Thursday and they scheduled me for the next Monday. The very next day or maybe even later that day, I received another call from the office saying that the doctor wanted to know if I could make it a phone visit. You can imagine my attitude as I told them in not so polite terms that they could shove the appointment. I will be looking for another specialist to replace this one!

[jimjamuser]

I am okay with some follow up visits by phone especially if the main thing is to review lab results. I don't like the fact that some doctors seem to be using the health crisis as an excuse to get paid for a phone call with little work from them or their staff. For example, I had an appointment scheduled for December 3 and the same day they called to tell me the doctor no longer was in that local office on that day of the week and wanted to know if a phone visit was okay or if I wanted to reschedule. Mind you there were no labs to discuss so this visit normally would have involved my vitals and possibly other testing. I was aggravated that knowing he had changed his office schedule they hadn't notified me sooner, and so I asked to reschedule. This was on a Thursday and they scheduled me for the next Monday. The very next day or maybe even later that day, I received another call from the office saying that the doctor wanted to know if I could make it a phone visit. You can imagine my attitude as I told them in not so polite terms that they could shove the appointment. I will be looking for another specialist to replace this one!
The COVID Pandemic has shown a light on the WEAKNESS of the US Medical and Health Care System - CV has stressed out a system that was BARELY functioning BEFORE the pandemic and these posts prove that point. It is further PROVED by the fact that the US spends the most per person on Health Care in the World but, is around 30th in positive outcomes for its citizens. That is BEFORE CV, so the system IS broken. ........Doctors and their overworked staff have come under the thumbs of the greed of the CEOs of the Corporate Insurance Companies. The Doctors and staff are forced to fill out reams of paperwork designed to allow the Insurance Companies to avoid paying out as many claims as possible. They both spend most of their time on their keyboards while NOT listening to the needs of the patient, which are secondary. The US Health system is run by NEITHER Doctors or patients, but rather by overpaid INSURANCE CEOs and management.

[golfing eagles]

The COVID Pandemic has shown a light on the WEAKNESS of the US Medical and Health Care System - CV has stressed out a system that was BARELY functioning BEFORE the pandemic and these posts prove that point. It is further PROVED by the fact that the US spends the most per person on Health Care in the World but, is around 30th in positive outcomes for its citizens. That is BEFORE CV, so the system IS broken. ........Doctors and their overworked staff have come under the thumbs of the greed of the CEOs of the Corporate Insurance Companies. The Doctors and staff are forced to fill out reams of paperwork designed to allow the Insurance Companies to avoid paying out as many claims as possible. They both spend most of their time on their keyboards while NOT listening to the needs of the patient, which are secondary. The US Health system is run by NEITHER Doctors or patients, but rather by overpaid INSURANCE CEOs and management.

Solution is easy---move to your socialist paradise of Venezuela:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[jimjamuser]

Solution is easy---move to your socialist paradise of Venezuela:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:
No comment. I stand by the message in my post.

[stanley]

True that CV "lightning" may not have struck either you or your Doctor for that particular visit. But, CV like "lightning" does strike SOME people. You and your Doctor did have RISKS - he more than you because you see 1 Doctor - he sees multiple patients day-after-day. He has a problem of BIG risks. He is dealing with an elderly population, many with pre-conditions that pre-dispose them to having weak immune systems.

I wonder how that appointment went? You were inside in non-moving air, which is 15 times worse for CV than outside. That doesn't change just because someone has a "Doctor" title in front of their name. He or she is a human and you are a human - so you 2 needed to be separated by a MINIMUM of 6 ft. To minimize the risk you BOTH needed to have on an N-95 mask AND a clear visor - gloves and a PPE jacket would have also reduced risk. The US is deficient in PPEs compared to other countries. So, I DOUBT that you both were properly equipped for that encounter. And temperatures needed to be taken 1st. - and office surfaces wiped down with disinfectant. I can see why both Doctors and Patients (especially among predominantly older patients) would PREFER telemedicine.

For those who believe that I am overstating the precautions and the risks, many Doctors and experts on TV have stated that, "it is best to treat any person that you encounter as IF they had the CV".

Listen and listen good please. I live my life the way I want, not by someone's opinion, or mandate of how they want me to. It's simple.....some can't, don't want to agree, and are content with having their lives dictated to them, I say your life, fine, do what you will, but stay out of my business thank you.

[golfing eagles]

No comment. I stand by the message in my post.

I'm sure you do

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Listen and listen good please. I live my life the way I want, not by someone's opinion, or mandate of how they want me to. It's simple.....some can't, don't want to agree, and are content with having their lives dictated to them, I say your life, fine, do what you will, but stay out of my business thank you.

That was Mary Mallon's approach to life. She wouldn't let anyone dictate how SHE would live it.

She caused 50 or more deaths by continuing to serve as a cook for families while being an asymptomatic carrier of typhus.

Mary Mallon is most famously known as Typhoid Mary.

Your health is MY business. Wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands.

[jimjamuser]

*******

[stanley]

That was Mary Mallon's approach to life. She wouldn't let anyone dictate how SHE would live it.

She caused 50 or more deaths by continuing to serve as a cook for families while being an asymptomatic carrier of typhus.

Mary Mallon is most famously known as Typhoid Mary.

Your health is MY business. Wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands.

My health, life, is none of your's or anyone else's business...period.

[jimjamuser]

That was Mary Mallon's approach to life. She wouldn't let anyone dictate how SHE would live it.

She caused 50 or more deaths by continuing to serve as a cook for families while being an asymptomatic carrier of typhus.

Mary Mallon is most famously known as Typhoid Mary.

Your health is MY business. Wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands.
Bestest, most impressivest, metaphor that I have seen in awhile !!!!!!!!!!!!