[Dan9871]

Originally Posted by villagerjack

Dan: I have had this happen before with other providers who were renegotiating the contract with United healthcare. My doctor sent letters out to everyone in the plan that was affected. In my opinion Casper has miscalculated or he just does not want to have all of the information released.

You may be right Jack, but is seems like this all happened just last Thursday or Friday and Alliant is just still getting it's act together. I'll be surprised if we don't all receive the letter posted to the web site in the US Mail sometime this week.

But I'm not yet ready to assign a bad motive to Dr. Casper yet. He may not be posting the UHC letter to the web site for a bunch of reasons... they literally may not have figured out how to do it, or maybe there is some contractual thing that prevents it, or who knows what???

In any case I'm pretty sure my wife and I will be going to a different dermo next year... I really wish that wasn't the case but it wouldn't be the first time that sort of thing has happened to us because of insurance, HMO or doc's.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by CFrance

I would like to say "Somebody go get the #$%^&* letter, already!" but that would be rude, so I won't.

[tejas]

I was at Alliant Dermatology this morning and read the letter. A copy was put in my folder but I forgot to bring it home. Basically, it said UHC reviews its medical partners periodically and pursuant to contract terms can cancel the contract with 90 days notice and no signature required from the practice. Therefore, as of September 18 the contract was being canceled. ( I may have the exact date wrong.)

There was NO reason given in the letter. It was a one page letter, short and to the point. I was seeing the plastic surgeon after melanoma surgery and really wasn't focused on the letter.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Dan9871

You may be right Jack, but is seems like this all happened just last Thursday or Friday and Alliant is just still getting it's act together. I'll be surprised if we don't all receive the letter posted to the web site in the US Mail sometime this week.

But I'm not yet ready to assign a bad motive to Dr. Casper yet. He may not be posting the UHC letter to the web site for a bunch of reasons... they literally may not have figured out how to do it, or maybe there is some contractual thing that prevents it, or who knows what???

In any case I'm pretty sure my wife and I will be going to a different dermo next year... I really wish that wasn't the case but it wouldn't be the first time that sort of thing has happened to us because of insurance, HMO or doc's.

No. It was more than a month ago when I saw a sign a petition letter in his waiting room. I didn't understand it then or now.

[Villageswimmer]

Originally Posted by tejas

I was at Alliant Dermatology this morning and read the letter. A copy was put in my folder but I forgot to bring it home. Basically, it said UHC reviews its medical partners periodically and pursuant to contract terms can cancel the contract with 90 days notice and no signature required from the practice. Therefore, as of September 18 the contract was being canceled. ( I may have the exact date wrong.)

There was NO reason given in the letter. It was a one page letter, short and to the point. I was seeing the plastic surgeon after melanoma surgery and really wasn't focused on the letter.

Prayers your way for a speedy recovery. Thanks for the update.

[Twodogs]

Could it be the over the top number of patient complaints? I've heard the whispering......... just sayin

[mrf6969]

Just get the Medicare "F" Plan whether it is UHC or Blue Cross or whomever you can go to ANY doctor and not be pushed around by the system. I know it cost a little bit more but it is so worth it in the short and long run. Wise to not shortcut when it comes to your health.

[mrf6969]

I doubt it. He has been my doctor for years and is a very honest and professional business man/doctor.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by tejas

I was at Alliant Dermatology this morning and read the letter. Basically, it said UHC reviews its medical partners periodically and pursuant to contract terms can cancel the contract with 90 days notice and no signature required from the practice.
There was NO reason given in the letter. It was a one page letter, short and to the point. I was seeing the plastic surgeon after melanoma surgery and really wasn't focused on the letter.

Thanks for the update Tejas.
I had a melanoma removed a year ago, no recurrence.
Good luck to you.

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I'm from Canada, and socialized medicine works equally well for the young and for seniors.
I just had two knee replacements. I also had cataract surgery on both eyes.
The price can't be beat.
I have the doctor of my choice and I can see her anytime.
I am referred to a specialist if I need it or at my request.
Yes, we pay high taxes and we don't mind.
It's a fair way to ensure health care is available for all.

Well my niece is 60 and hates the system for the reasons I have given and would disagree with you.. I have talked to Canadians who maintain dual citizenship and live here and they would disagree. I have talked to Canadian seniors that crossed the border to the US because the wait time for the surgery was many, many months. It might work for you, but it doesn't work for everyone.

[cmb1951]

Supplemental plans are not affected, only advantage plans.

[villagerjack]

Originally Posted by mrf6969

I doubt it. He has been my doctor for years and is a very honest and professional business man/doctor.

The practice has taken on several other doctors, mostly younger. It is not the same practice it was just a few years ago. Jury still out until these younger doctors gain some experience.

[villagerjack]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

No. It was more than a month ago when I saw a sign a petition letter in his waiting room. I didn't understand it then or now.

Gracie, you are one of the honest ones. No one really understands why UHC chose 39 other dermatologists in our region and Casper was dropped.there has to be a reason but Casper is just not disclosing it. Unless he does I think it is disingenuous of him to request his patients to intercede for him without having this information which could be related to the quality of care. This whole thing sounds rather fishy but as we talked through this, I am no longer disappointed that I will be seeing a different dermatologist. If I was permitted back I would always be wondering if the surgery he is recommending was even necessary. I certainly am not signing any petition for a doctor that did Not even give me the courtesy of a letter or a phone call informing me that my Plan was no longer acceptable at his practice. Good luck to all.

[Villageswimmer]

Originally Posted by villagerjack

Gracie, you are one of the honest ones. No one really understands why UHC chose 39 other dermatologists in our region and Casper was dropped.there has to be a reason but Casper is just not disclosing it. Unless he does I think it is disingenuous of him to request his patients to intercede for him without having this information which could be related to the quality of care. This whole thing sounds rather fishy but as we talked through this, I am no longer disappointed that I will be seeing a different dermatologist. If I was permitted back I would always be wondering if the surgery he is recommending was even necessary. I certainly am not signing any petition for a doctor that did Not even give me the courtesy of a letter or a phone call informing me that my Plan was no longer acceptable at his practice. Good luck to all.

Agree. How can anyone sign a petition not knowing what they’re advocating by signing or contact one of the parties on the website without facts? That’s crazy.

Jack, where did you find the listing of the other 39 dermatologists? When I google, I only get a few. One would think there would be a number of them at the new Brownwood Professional but there’s only one listed and he’s not taking new patients.

[champion6]

Originally Posted by CFrance

I would like to say "Somebody go get the #$%^&* letter, already!" <snip> But hopefully someone who is in town will go get the letter and tell us what it says.

Originally Posted by tejas

I was at Alliant Dermatology this morning and read the letter. A copy was put in my folder but I forgot to bring it home. Basically, it said UHC reviews its medical partners periodically and pursuant to contract terms can cancel the contract with 90 days notice and no signature required from the practice. Therefore, as of September 18 the contract was being canceled. (I may have the exact date wrong.)

There was NO reason given in the letter. It was a one page letter, short and to the point. I was seeing the plastic surgeon after melanoma surgery and really wasn't focused on the letter.

Sheesh! The letter is posted on the front page of the Alliant Dermatology website: Alliant Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center

I'm beginning to think that there are most posts in this thread than there are patients affected by the UHC decision.