I lost it with a doctor today

lawguy

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Today, despite being in severe pain, I drove an hour to a doctor that I had a prescheduled appointment with. This was the 4th time seeing him. The last 3 visits he simply went over the medical history that I provided him with and went through hell to obtain.

Today, after being an hour late to see me, he sends some guy into my room who doesn't speak english to try to do a pre-evaluation of some sort. The guy had no idea what he was doing. He took my blood pressure and thumbed through the reports that the doctor had written the last few times I was there that just summed up the history that I had provided for him via paperwork.

Finally, the doctor calls me into his office. The last time I saw him, he had told me that he wanted me to go with treatment A. I told him that I really was hoping to go with treatment B as it was safer in my opinion. I decided last time to let him do some research and that maybe the next visit he would have a good reason to recommend one or the other.

Instead, today, he tells me that he would prefer to go with treatment B, but he feels uncomfortable with it, because he is unfamiliar with my medical history. I told him that I had provided my history. He told me that he still wasn't comfortable. I said, ok, well how about in the meantime I go with treatment A like you wanted last time, and you can ask me for whatever documentation you feel is missing that would help you (I didn't know what, but whatever). Then he tells me that he doesn't want to provide treatment A either because of the same reason. I said, "Ok, well, what are you going to do?" He tells me, "To be honest, right now I don't feel comfortable prescribing any treatment." I ask why. He tries to state reasons, but none of them make any sense and all are baloney. Nonetheless I offered to jump through whatever hoops would make him feel more comfortable. He still said that he didn't want to do anything. I asked, "Well, considering that nothing has changed over these 4 visits, why am I here if you don't want to do anything?" His response was, "I can understand your feeling that way." I started getting angry, "I'm about to have spinal surgery in a few weeks. I am in intense pain. I didn't even want to come today, but I pushed through because I felt it would be rude to cancel on you at the last second. Now you're telling me that after you made me go through all the trouble of getting you all of my history, you just don't want to do anything?" His response, "I just don't feel comfortable." My response, "Well, if that's the case, why couldn't you have just called me and told me that instead of having me drive an hour down here?" He didn't have a response. I then said, "Well, if you're basically telling me that after you've strung me along for months, that you've wasted my time and aren't going to do anything, I see absolutely no point in seeing you anymore. I'll have to find a new doctor." His response, "I can certainly understand your frustration." That's when I really lost it. "Yes, I'm betting you do understand my frustration, but you know what else I'm betting? I'm betting that even though you have done NOTHING today except for waste my time and energy, I'm betting you're still going bill my insurance and charge me a copay despite having rendered no service whatsoever. At no time have you given me a diagnosis. At no time have you given me a course of treatment. At no time have you done anything than ask me to provide you with documents and money. Quite frankly, this is fraud." He told me, "Check out is on the left as you walk out." I went and paid the darn copay because I didn't need them calling the cops on me for not paying, but I'm furious. All in all, he's charged me $120 out of pocket and billed my insurance 4 times. He's never diagnosed me, attempted to treat me, or done anything at all that would constitute medical services. The guy is a fraud.

I'm contemplating what to do.

I never get angry like that. I'm about as passive as people come. When I realized though that he had just defrauded me out of money, but more importantly, has wasted the last few months, all while the clock is ticking for me to get my medical issues resolved before school starts again, that just put me over the edge. When the receptionist, who is actually his kid asked me when I'd like to schedule a follow-up, I simply said, "I don't." and walked out. I didn't say it in a mean way to the receptionist. I don't have beef with the receptionist, even though he's the guy's son. I have beef with the doctor.
 

ebrillblaiddes

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The insurance company might be interested to know this, as I doubt he picked you as his one and only special person to screw over, and they have lawyers on staff...just saying...
 

addiebee

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Hey, LG. I would file a complaint with whatever review board is available there in FLA and contact your insurance company.

With your good medical contacts down there, how did you end up in Dr. Whatta Doozie's care????
 
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lawguy

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Believe it or not, this is a Neurologist that my dad knew from his days in training. My father recommended him as he was supposedly a specialist in one of the problems I'm dealing with. My dad just assumed that his old friend wouldn't screw over his son. My father is furious now but I've told him that it isn't worth saying anything to the guy because it's not like I'm going to see him ever again.

My family is asking me not to file any complaints or whatnot because they're afraid of what he might do. I've asked them, honestly - what could he do? I can't really think of anything. As far as records, there isn't anything particularly sensitive in there. A bunch of EEG results over the last 2 decades, some radiology reports, and the names of some other doctors I've seen over the years who never reached a working treatment (but unlike this guy, at least they tried and gave it a good effort). I mean, let's say he somehow breaches confidentiality and releases my EEG reports or radiology reports.... so what? None of it is documenting anything embarassing. It's something that I don't typically share because I don't like getting people concerned about my health because I hate being "the sick guy." - but other than that - it isn't damaging in the least. Not to mention 42 U.S.C. § 1320d-5 and 42 U.S.C. § 1320d-6. I hope he does do something malicious like my family worries about should I report him. Then he can get nailed under the federal statutes I've cited. $250,000 fine and/or 10 years in federal prison.

My plan is to report him to my insurance company, file a complaint with the Florida Board of Medicine, and make a call to the local state attorney's office where I know some people and ask them what else if anything they recommend I do. I agree with the above, I highly doubt this is his first scam.
 
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lawguy

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Ollie is here. I think he agrees with me because he keeps trying to help me type.

We'll see how I feel in the morning after I've cooled down. I haven't been this mad in a while.
 

addiebee

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Originally Posted by LawGuy

Believe it or not, this is a Neurologist that my dad knew from his days in training. My father recommended him as he was supposedly a specialist in one of the problems I'm dealing with. My dad just assumed that his old friend wouldn't screw over his son. My father is furious now but I've told him that it isn't worth saying anything to the guy because it's not like I'm going to see him ever again.

My family is asking me not to file any complaints or whatnot because they're afraid of what he might do. I've asked them, honestly - what could he do? I can't really think of anything. As far as records, there isn't anything particularly sensitive in there. A bunch of EEG results over the last 2 decades, some radiology reports, and the names of some other doctors I've seen over the years who never reached a working treatment (but unlike this guy, at least they tried and gave it a good effort). I mean, let's say he somehow breaches confidentiality and releases my EEG reports or radiology reports.... so what? None of it is documenting anything embarassing. It's something that I don't typically share because I don't like getting people concerned about my health because I hate being "the sick guy." - but other than that - it isn't damaging in the least. Not to mention 42 U.S.C. § 1320d-5 and 42 U.S.C. § 1320d-6. I hope he does do something malicious like my family worries about should I report him. Then he can get nailed under the federal statutes I've cited. $250,000 fine and/or 10 years in federal prison.

My plan is to report him to my insurance company, file a complaint with the Florida Board of Medicine, and make a call to the local state attorney's office where I know some people and ask them what else if anything they recommend I do. I agree with the above, I highly doubt this is his first scam.
Hmmm... there were times when my dad recommended a doc to me... I can think of one OBGYN ... who was a nasty
- mean and condescending. I just had an exam... I couldn't imagine him coaxing a woman through labor and delivery
Needless to say I never went back.

I think sometimes the cronies think, too, they can be cavalier with a colleague's kid... instead of taking extra good care.
 

addiebee

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Originally Posted by LawGuy

Ollie is here. I think he agrees with me because he keeps trying to help me type.

We'll see how I feel in the morning after I've cooled down. I haven't been this mad in a while.
He is saying, Here, Dad. Let ME handle this.... rrrrrrrrroowwwwowwrorwowoooorrowooorrr........bitescratchclaw!!!
 

strange_wings

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Originally Posted by LawGuy

My plan is to report him to my insurance company, file a complaint with the Florida Board of Medicine, and make a call to the local state attorney's office where I know some people and ask them what else if anything they recommend I do. I agree with the above, I highly doubt this is his first scam.
I hope you do go through with this and he gets in some sort of trouble. Unfortunately, I honestly believe this stringing along of patients while not doing a dang thing is something that a lot of specialist do.
It's only 5-10 minutes of their time and they can make several hundred dollars..
 

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That's a good plan. Not only are you in extreme pain, but you've had to deal with a total quack. Go through with your plan and take it as far as you can. Sounds like the guy has a good deal going for himself. And it sounds like you're not the first person he's taken advantage of. I'd be angry and frustrated, too.

Good luck.
 

kimkats000

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Please DO report him to the insurance. They need to know so he is NOT allowed to see people with that insurance. The doc. can't do any thing to you or your family.

4 visits? 3 to just go over records/history? WOW! I can understand one visit to go over history. Time to find a new doc for sure!

Keep looking. Keep asking questions. Do NOT just go by what ONE doctor says.

GOod luck!

Kim
 

kailie

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Aw hun, there is NOTHING more frustrating than a useless doctor.
I am very sorry that you have had to go through all of this and I hope that SOME kind of resolution can be reached.

I too know what it is like to have a fairly useless doctor. I'm 28 years old and have very high blood pressure. I have my whole life. Years ago he said it was my weight, I lost the weight. Then he said it was stress, not too stressed right now. He said to cut out salt, which I did and it's STILL high. I eat right, I exercise, still high. He said because I am so young, it's not a big deal. WHAT?!? I would think that BECAUSE I am so young, it should be a big deal! There HAS to be a reason behind it. He kept putting me off and putting me off. Well my Mom is a nurse and she was livid. She came to my last appointment with me. (I was not impressed with being 28 years old and having to have my Mommy fight my battles, but whatever works.
) Anyway, he KNOWS my Mom and she went up one side of him and down the other and said something HAS to be done. I was perscribed a medication but it has not budged my blood pressure at all, 3 months later, so on Friday I'm getting a bunch of tests done to hopefully determine the cause. Thank goodness for agressive mothers.
 
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lawguy

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I'm almost the same age as you. I'm glad you're finally getting some tests. Hopefully you'll get some resolution. I too have a mother who can be pretty aggressive. My father usually isn't but in this case he was angry enough that he had a few choice words he wanted to say to his supposed old-time friend but I asked him not to waste his energy on it.
 

addiebee

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Originally Posted by LawGuy

I'm almost the same age as you. I'm glad you're finally getting some tests. Hopefully you'll get some resolution. I too have a mother who can be pretty aggressive. My father usually isn't but in this case he was angry enough that he had a few choice words he wanted to say to his supposed old-time friend but I asked him not to waste his energy on it.
yeah it's the mama-bear instinct thing. My mom in her heydady didn't mince words and when she was done... you knew you had been minced... up.
 

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Wow what a horrible story! I have no patience with doctors or any other 'service providers' who don't take me seriously anymore. I used to just go along with it and deal and think Oh well this is how it is.. But you know, that ISN'T just how it is. These people do not deserve my money, and these days I will speak my mind and let them know I will tell everyone I know about them and their lack of service. Bad news travels 10X faster than good news.

I have a feeling the insurance company probably won't care what you have to say to them, they just pay their money out and rake a ton more in from us. It'd be nice if they did care though. The state license board might be interested to hear your stories though.. Best of luck dealing with this &^%$#%@ without getting too much more stressed. And I hope you can find another doctor who will actually listen to you and research your history and find an appropriate solution.
 

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I'm glad you told this Dr. off, at least you got rid of some of that rage. Some doctors think they are God. This whole thing really sucks big time, I just hope everything else goes well for you.
 

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Yeah, Doctors can really suck, and we haven't found a SINGLE ONE that has any respect for a patient's time. It is truly amazing.

Obviously you should do all of the things you proposed - but all that does is potentially stop a jerk from wasting other's time. What we had to do for Gary is become our own advocates. I spent hundreds of hours of research on his condition and became extremely knowledgeable about all the treatments and options - so much so that at this point in time I do know more about it than most regular neurologists. The good thing is that I know who's publishing research on it, and I know who the expert neuros are in this area now. I found forums to find local doctors that can help - and found that there really aren't any, so no more wasting time finding one. Now we're just weeding through the neuros to find one willing to work with us - one who is willing to do research with us, and is willing to prescribe treatments we recommend based on our research. We think we've found one - we'll know March 2.


Yes, it is a collossal waste of time, weeding through specialists trying to find one who's actually willing to listen - and I'm really sorry this idiot wasted so much of your time when you didn't have it to waste.
But all you can do from here is move ahead.

Are there any (worthwhile) online forums for your condition? Do any of them have resources up? I found one where people can post the names of local Doctors that were helpful for Gary's condition. If you haven't searched already, it may be worth the time.
And as a law student, you certainly know how to do research. It sounds like you've already put a lot of work into it - but just in case you haven't - at this point it sounds like some medical research on your part is in order.
 

natalie_ca

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Originally Posted by LawGuy

The last time I saw him, he had told me that he wanted me to go with treatment A. I told him that I really was hoping to go with treatment B as it was safer in my opinion. I decided last time to let him do some research and that maybe the next visit he would have a good reason to recommend one or the other.

Instead, today, he tells me that he would prefer to go with treatment B, but he feels uncomfortable with it, because he is unfamiliar with my medical history. I told him that I had provided my history. He told me that he still wasn't comfortable. I said, ok, well how about in the meantime I go with treatment A like you wanted last time, and you can ask me for whatever documentation you feel is missing that would help you (I didn't know what, but whatever). Then he tells me that he doesn't want to provide treatment A either because of the same reason. I said, "Ok, well, what are you going to do?" He tells me, "To be honest, right now I don't feel comfortable prescribing any treatment." I ask why. He tries to state reasons, but none of them make any sense and all are baloney. Nonetheless I offered to jump through whatever hoops would make him feel more comfortable. He still said that he didn't want to do anything.
I don't know what kinds of treatment you were talking about "A" vs "B", but what were his reasons for:

1. Suggesting "A" over "B"
2. Suggesting "B" over "A"
3. Not "feeling comfortable" providing treatment "B"
4. Not "feeling comfortable" providing treatment "A"

Maybe he has a very valid reason and it's not "baloney" like you seem to think.

If a doctor says they don't feel comfortable about something they specialize in, it's probably wise to listen to them.

I know from 15 years nursing, that when people aren't feeling well, some of them will push for treatments that they don't need based on trying to doctor themselves through all kinds of self approached research. Now I'm not saying that this is the situation in your case, but it has happened.

For example we had a patient who was pushing to have radiation therapy to his hip because he had done some research and found out that it could be bone cancer and that radiation therapy would help with his debilitating pain so his family doctor referred him to us. The doctor refused to give him radiation without many more scans and tests because what the patient was describing sounded more like arthritis or sciatic nerve pain. The family doctor basically gave the referral to get the patient off of his/her back.

After a few scans, it was determined that the guy has arthritis and that there is no evidence of any cancer. Had we done radiation on his hip like he insisted, he would have ended up with many more problems than he already has. Tissue damage, bone damage, higher risk of cancer in the future etc. You know what? This guy still thinks that radiation is the answer to his pain problems. He won't get it because there is no rational to giving it to him for arthritis.
 
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lawguy

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Natalie_ca:

He was unable to cite specific medically based reasons other than that he "felt uncomfortable" and "wasn't familiar with my history" despite my providing substantial documentation of my history.

You want to know how I can validate that this guy is full of baloney? How's this. I just requested that his office fax whatever report was created for yesterday's visit. In his report, he lists amongst my current medications "albuterol". In his defense, I did have asthma........... 20 years ago. I haven't taken albuterol in quite a while (years) and certainly am not taking it now, nor did I ever mention that I was taking it, and if it is in the documentation I provided, that document is dated somewhere around the late 1980's or early 1990's.

Additionally, he mentions another medication that I'm not taking. In his report, I'm taking "aprozam". Sound unfamiliar? It should. It doesn't exist. Ok, so maybe he's not totally incompetent and just mispelled "alprazolam". Oh wait, there's a problem. I don't take alprazolam either.

Don't misunderstand, I'm not aiming any hostility at you here. I understand your point, and with plenty of doctors you would have a point and there would be a potentially justified reason. In this case though - there isn't. The consult report just further solidifies my feelings that this guy is a fraud.
 

blueyedgirl5946

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Why did you go to him four times if you were not getting any treatment.
He is a quack. I would not have paid him a dime. Report him to our insurance company and the American Medical Association and anybody else you can find to report him to.
 
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lawguy

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Why did you go to him four times if you were not getting any treatment.
My father knew the guy and was "friends" with him (I don't think so anymore). I assumed the whole time that he was just doing research and gathering information so that he doesn't hastily diagnose me incorrectly as so many other doctors have.

Other bizarre things I'm noticing scrutinizing the reports is that in one, he claims that I have been diagnosed in the past with condition X and that the cause of it may be idiopathic. In the next he claims that I have been diagnosed in the past with condition Y and that the cause of it may be idiopathic. I have been diagnosed with X, but not Y. In fact, Y is the exact opposite of condition as X as how they occur. In another report, he doesn't mention either of these conditions and simply says that my symptoms may be idiopathic.

The whole idea of seeing him was that whatever I actually have, can be properly examined so that it isn't considered idiopathic anymore. I also was expecting that he would start trying to treat me to see if we could find a remedy. It wasn't until yesterday that I realized that he had no intention of doing either of these. I'm not really sure what he's listing on his billing for insurance purposes. I think I need to request a copy of them. I'm worried he may have put erroneous stuff on there just to make it look like he was doing more than he was, or just so he could get paid period.
 
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