I definitely hear what you're saying. My understanding is they always overbook each slot in case there are no shows or cancellations. So we are left waiting in the wings for sometime hours. Everytime I see my lyme doc my appointment is always over an hr later than the scheduled time. Doc offices really are like zoos...I'm stressed just the time I'm there.
Posts: 187 | From Gaithersburg, Maryland | Registered: Feb 2006
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I hear ya, man! My lyme doc only sees about 10 patients a day....hence the higher prices. But actually, when you figure out how much these other guys charge per hour, the LLMD's are often cheaper!!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Sorry, Meg, but most doctors are in groups and clinics, and in those cases the clinic makes the decision as to how many patients are seen each day.
We have a friend who is a new doctor in a clinic, and he is totally frustrated with what is imposed upon him.
There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that the patients never see or hear about in regard to requirements that must be met by the doctors in a group.
Posts: 119 | From Southwest Florida | Registered: Sep 2005
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groovy2
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Posts: 2999 | From Austin tx USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Hi Groovy: Not always the doctor's culpability. Don't forget to include insurance companies and reimbursement rates in the mix. That in its self is a huge part of the equation. Insurance can even influence the amount of chairs available in the waiting room. Insurance regulates what kind of medications they will pay for from a preferred formulary list and what they won't pay. Many times, pre authorizations are needed for what would be a no-brainer need for the patient.
Don't think everyone in medicine is a Marcus Welby, Fathers know best type of doctor. Some doctors are compassionate and caring. They do exist. It is hard for these type of doctors to survive. American medicine is a thriving PROFIT business. The dollar bottom line exists. Just look at the llmd who don't take insurance so that insurance doesn't regulate and selectively pay for chronic lyme. Capitalism thrives. Don't forget the drug companies with huge profits either. Posts: 719 | From Delaware | Registered: Jan 2006
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