I have been a patient of Dr. H in NY state for a few years and although I am improving medically, I'm getting frustrated for the following reasons:
******** I'm wondering whether it is worth looking for another doctor or is it the same everywhere else? Has anyone switched from Dr. H to another doctor and had a better experience?
Thank you so much for your help!
********edited by moderators********
[ 07-09-2013, 04:42 PM: Message edited by: Lymetoo ]
Posted by t9im (Member # 25489) on :
HI Sing02:
I think Lyme Literate MD's are experiencing cost pressures like all of us.
As for the hourly rate fair and reasonable is between the provider and the patient.
I believe the demand for his services is high.
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
Sadly, you may not have a better experience without going a very long way. That is, you may have a better experience to a degree than what you mentioned, but you won't likely get anyone as experienced and thorough in the area.
Many, if not most, Lyme docs offices are chaotic and frustrating. The price thing is another matter, but other Lyme docs, who are not as experienced also charge a huge amount, and have increased their rates a lot.
But look into it further, and see what you come up with. Sorry I can't be more encouraging!
I'm not excusing all of this at all, but one thing is that ALL of the Lyme docs in NY State are being investigated by the state
Medical Boards. Besides the time, effort, and stress that this entails, it costs and absolute minimum of $50,000 to fight this,
and likely at least $100,000. So , , , you get my point. And for many, this is the second or third time around for this mess.
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
This is just my opinion, but sometimes the big name docs are just overwhelmed with patients. Especially if you have the time and energy to research and want a doc who is willing to let you direct your own treatment a smaller office can be better. And if the doc is in practice by themselves then you see the doc every appointment and not just a P.A.
Of course you still have to deal with a receptionist, there just is no way around that unfortunately.
Good luck.
Bea Seibert
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- As you see this particular LLMD you are likely aware of certain nutrient or herbal supplements that can be of vital importance.
So, if you are to make a move, you might also consider a LL ND (naturopathic doctor). Many also strongly suggest antibiotics and, in some states, are licensed to prescribe some (if not all) Rx.
You might also consider a rife machine as a treatment option, along with key support measures.
I'm not at all saying what I think is best as I don't know your case nor do I have medical training of any kind. I just like to share possible options to consider for those with any kind of treatment obstacles.
Bottom line, though, you say you are improving medically. Some of your reasons have been deleted but if you are improving medically, (and cost is workable) that "medical improvement" is the most important thing to consider.
I wonder if you might approach him about the frustrations as you experience them. Perhaps some kinks could be ironed out. Communication has been known to change things, sometimes.
He may not even be aware of some of the frustrations. Other patients may be affected in a similar fashion and, were I to be a doctor, I would WANT to know.
Now, there may be no way to change some things and a fuller explanation about why some things may not be able to be changed will at least shed some light on the matters. Still, some change may be possible if you speak up with the intention of a better outcome for all concerned.
Bottom line: you are "hiring" his "brain" and that's the most important consideration. Will his knowledge help you succeed in your mission? -
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
I guess you could call around and find out phone call charges of other capable doctors.
Posted by lax mom (Member # 38743) on :
Have the phone call charges gone up very recently?
My thinking is this: regular Dr's or specialists triple and quadruple book patients. So, they see you for 5 minutes and charge the ins co about $200. They are making $1200 in 30 minutes.
Dr H is spending the entire 30+ minutes on the phone discussing your case. He makes much less than he would if he was in a regular practice billing insurance.
I buy whatever supplements I can that are cheaper through greenandhealthy.com. The other supplements are much, much, much lower through Dr H than other LLMD or even integrative Drs.
He is the expert. I don't ENJOY sacrificing to pay the fees associated with being his patient. However, he's a genius. Like Keebler said, you're hiring his brain.
His brain works so fast, putting 2+2 together. I mention a few symptoms and immediately I'm sent to be tested for alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency...which turned out to be low...which my son now ends up having 1 bad copy of the gene (I now assume from me).
No other Dr would ever have thought to test me for that given a few symptoms mentioned in passing.
I have been told that many of his office staff had Lyme themselves. This helps me give them grace when things get lost, etc.
Posted by Bitten in Bergen (Member # 34067) on :
It never hurts to get a second opinion if you are frustrated. I'm actually on my third LLMD.
You will need to weigh your reasons for being annoyed.
You mention that you are getting better medically.
A lot of people being seen by reputable LLMDs cannot say that! You are way ahead of the game.
Try to take a step back and see what's really bothering you and if you can tolerate the annoyance that you're dealing with (your complaints were removed by the moderators).
Posted by Ellen101 (Member # 35432) on :
I wish I knew what your complaints were...not sure why they were deleted as now it makes responding to the post difficult. I'm assuming the fees? I have heard they are high, in my opinion too high. I would seek out another opinion. Yes, there are some who have made wonderful progress with him, but there are also some who made progress elsewhere..
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :