My PCP, the one who researched the DS in order to be well informed and more able to render advice, has sold out to the degree I will have to change physicians.
I understand that as a practice grows, the interests and focus of treatment can and does change. When I first saw him in 2005, he was interested in weight management. We worked together for three years before I waved the white flag and underwent WLS. However, in the past few years he not only changed his interests, he changed his fee structure. He did not accept Medicare and I was fine with that before he tripled his office visit fee. The explanation for this increases was stated to be on the need for advanced research that he would be doing for Alzheimer's and other degenerative diseases. I reduced my visits, then ultimately decided that I would find another doctor to order my labs and I would adjust my supplements as best I could.
Last year, he sent out a survey regarding his practice and I responded with my concerns. Alas, I never got a response. Today I got an e-mail announcing a new and improved clinic model. For a mere monthly fee of $225, I could get complete and unfettered access to all the services. Yeah, right. I objected to paying close to $400.00 dollars for future visits. There is no way I will spend $225 a month for this new plan considering the limited focus. I was also told I must act quickly because the precious few slots allotted was filling up fast. I was also offered the one time opportunity to get $100 off of the first month's fee if I acted quickly.
Okay, I get it. His interests have changed. What saddens and angers me is he seems to have changed in other ways. My few office visits were rushed and he seemed distant. I was privately calling him Doc Hollywood for what appeared to be a transition to concierge medical practice. Now I have no doubt that the transition is complete. I had my last lab orders obtained from my local physician I see for the mundane bouts of bronchitis or other simpler needs. His practice was bought by a for-profit hospital corporation, yet has retained the office culture that was there prior to being sold.
I have contacted Doc Hollywood's office regarding my records. I'll not be holding my breath waiting for a response. Maybe some fast and furious downloading from the portal as long as I have access?
I understand that as a practice grows, the interests and focus of treatment can and does change. When I first saw him in 2005, he was interested in weight management. We worked together for three years before I waved the white flag and underwent WLS. However, in the past few years he not only changed his interests, he changed his fee structure. He did not accept Medicare and I was fine with that before he tripled his office visit fee. The explanation for this increases was stated to be on the need for advanced research that he would be doing for Alzheimer's and other degenerative diseases. I reduced my visits, then ultimately decided that I would find another doctor to order my labs and I would adjust my supplements as best I could.
Last year, he sent out a survey regarding his practice and I responded with my concerns. Alas, I never got a response. Today I got an e-mail announcing a new and improved clinic model. For a mere monthly fee of $225, I could get complete and unfettered access to all the services. Yeah, right. I objected to paying close to $400.00 dollars for future visits. There is no way I will spend $225 a month for this new plan considering the limited focus. I was also told I must act quickly because the precious few slots allotted was filling up fast. I was also offered the one time opportunity to get $100 off of the first month's fee if I acted quickly.
Okay, I get it. His interests have changed. What saddens and angers me is he seems to have changed in other ways. My few office visits were rushed and he seemed distant. I was privately calling him Doc Hollywood for what appeared to be a transition to concierge medical practice. Now I have no doubt that the transition is complete. I had my last lab orders obtained from my local physician I see for the mundane bouts of bronchitis or other simpler needs. His practice was bought by a for-profit hospital corporation, yet has retained the office culture that was there prior to being sold.
I have contacted Doc Hollywood's office regarding my records. I'll not be holding my breath waiting for a response. Maybe some fast and furious downloading from the portal as long as I have access?
