Question:
Anyone else have a surgeon too busy to help negotiate fees?

This is for those out there who are thrilled with their DR, despite the fact that he wont negotiate fees with Ins companies any more because he has become so much in demand that he doesn't have to, and will only do surgery if you pay a huge upfront fee of $3,000. As an obstetrical RN I have seen many a patient lavish praise on the bedside manner of a DR... the same DR who postponed, then denied them the epidural anesthesia for labor so they could make their T-Off time at the golf course instead and then have the nerve to brag about it. There was no medical reason to deny nor delay the epidural either. A DR may be able to justify an upfront fee if he provides services he feels are vital to give you the best possible care and if he knows full well the Ins Co. wont pay it... but do you also think it reasonable they he refuses, REFUSES to set up an installment pay schedule to help those who don't have the bulk amount up front? This surgeon may be in demand as he is highly proficient technically, but he is bottom line NOT thinking of his patients first and foremost... I say greed and paying for a new office has much more to do with it. Hire him for his skills but don't be fooled he has your best interests in mind; he wants his statistics to be great for sure and therefore will try for the best medical outcome, but believe me if he had your best interests as a patient in mind HE WOULD NOT TURN AWAY PEOPLE WHO CANT PAY THE FEE UP FRONT ... any DR who truly cares would allow you an installment plan or wave the exhibitant $3000 fee altogether. Skilled yes, wealthy yes, but a god's gift to patients he is not - unless of course you have the bucks. Keep your eyes open and be realistic.    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 25, 2001)

February 25, 2001
I agree with you exactly. If you read my profile I had that same problem with a famous Dr. Actually I am glad it happened because it gave me the incentive to go to my surgeon who I have now, Dr. Champion, who was more caring and works with his patients. I feel if you do not care about my needs as a Dr. there are more fish in the sea. Even if I have to fly out of town for the surgery.
   — Toni K.

February 25, 2001
I agree also, and as a matter of fact, I posted a question a while back about up front fees. I have an HMO, so they should pay 100%. I was to sign a paper saying I'd pay a fee up front. I thought it strange, since he'd be getting his money upon approval. Anyway, I was premature in that I hadn't talked to the office before posting whether this was normal. They have since told me that they usually don't require it out of HMO members, and do a pay schedule for all other patients. Thank goodness! For those of you in this dilemma, I'd seek another surgeon. Explain your problem with your insurance, and they can recommend someone outside your town, if need be.
   — Amy K.