A Note To MY Doctor Today.....About his prioritys and ethics

[rsmith6621]

Today I went to my DR to get refills on some persciption and to discuss an issue I have been having for the past couple of months.

So it has been two years since I have seen him as I have been living in Memphis. So I show up 15 minutes early to update paperwork.

9:45am Arrive at Dr Office Appointment is for 10am

10:00 Appointment time..

10:15 Read article in Web MD about sex

10:20 Big Pharma show up

10:25 Read another article in Web MD about sex

10:30 Another Big Pharma Show up

10:45 45 minutes past time Receptionist has said I will in soon in the mean time the 2 Big Pharma's have left and 1 More has entered and three people who showed up after me have been escorted to the patients room..not one person has left the exam area...

10:50 Reading article on Valarie Bertenelli bikini success story...oh yah baby..

10:52 Two people exit

10:54 Two more exit...

11:05 They finally call me back...

11:10 Waiting in exam room..

11:15- 11:35 Still Waiting in exam room..

11:35...Go outside to ask nurse if Im next and see BIG PHARMA.....again....she say Im next...

11:45 I hear Dr outside door....oops he goes to his office to talk to.....BIG PHARMA

11:50 I grab a pen and notepad in the room and write the following....not verbatim

Dear Dr......Two hours ago I respected your time by showing up 15 minute early for my appointment.(I then list the above time line in to the text of the letter) The above time line is a pretty accurate account of my time spent in your office this morning..Dr A. I have once sat and listen to your complaints about the industry I work in and how you wish the airlines had to provide compensation if they make you late for a connection or sit you on a plane for more than an hour, WELL DR A today I have experienced exactly THAT. It would appear that your relationships with your BIG PHARMA REPS has grown more important since my last visit with you as that seems to be why you have not yet to see me. Dr A I have decided that my time is to valuable to sit here any longer and wait. NO ONE has shown much concern for my time SO I HAVE LEFT THE BUILDING as a result. I wish you a good day and I will be notifying my insurance company of your unethical behavior and requesting they refuse payment of the charges and I will also refuse payment if you should try and charge me if they do honor my request.


12:00 I left the note on the exam table and left the way I came in....

[stray cat]

1. I guess you will be looking for a new doctor....

[RedCloud]

30. Was that Dr. A Cula? The lousy bloodsucker?

[nyc 4 Biden]

74. ok that was pretty funny.

OP, good job, although now you will have to waste another day at the doctors. i wouldnt have stood for that treatment either.

[electropop]

75. No, Dr. A Hole

Who also sucks...something.

[FormerDittoHead]

116. That sucker was always taking blood! But he had good hours. n/t

[Zoeisright]

2. Good for you for speaking up.

More of us need to do that.

[pleah]

3. K&R

[slipslidingaway]

4. Good for you ...

recently my doctor told the receptionist to tell the Pharma reps he was too busy.

He had patients.

:)

[Old Codger]

15. Appointment

I had a Dr. appointment today, time for it was 8:30, I showed up 15 mins early as is my norm if possible, I was in and out before my actual appointment time eve arrived... Not a big deal so not a lot of time involved in appointment but no waiting whatsoever...

[slipslidingaway]

33. If possible booking one of the first appointments of the day should cut...

down on the waiting time.

My norm is making it in the door a few minutes before appointment time. If I arrived 15 minutes early, it would be because I mixed up the time.

;-)

[Old Codger]

46. Mainly

Whatever time my appointment is I give myself 45 mins to get there provided it is a 30 mile drive , which would be the shortest possible for me, if traffic is normal I make it in about 30 mins, give or take a couple, I have time then to park, walk to office and sign in and fill out any paperwork that may be necessary, if the drive is longer naturally I give myself more time for the drive... I see nothing at all wrong with being 15 mins early, I try my best to be prompt and appreciate others who do so also... so far almost every Dr I have dealt with in the last 20 years or so has been pretty much on the ball that way... But I have heard quite a few stories along the lines of the main post here... I would have walked out quite a bit sooner than he did..

[slipslidingaway]

102. But...

there is always one more thing I can do before leaving the house which makes that 15 minutes early nearly impossible.

:)

It has been quite awhile since I had to wait more than 15 minutes. Depending on the situation I might have left earlier, unless I really needed something.

:shrug:

[Dorian Gray]

52. I always try

to book the first appt. for the day. It's the only way to ensure not waiting for 30-45 minutes at my doctor's office. Though if I'm sick, I don't always have much of a choice.

[slipslidingaway]

103. True, sometimes you just have to take what is available. n/t

[Dappleganger]

62. Typically it does.

The earlier the better, unless you have a doctor who's also a surgeon and shit happens on a weekly basis. :(

[slipslidingaway]

105. At least they were with a patient :) n/t

[Dr.Phool]

84. I usually shoot for the first appointment.

I had an 8:45 appointment. The office opens at 8:00am. I arrived at 8:30 to a full waiting room.


At 9:30, I informed the receptionist, that I had a restaurant 30 min. away, that I had to open at 10:30.

At 9:45 I'm escorted back to a room. At 10:00 a nurse comes in to take my BP.

At 10:15, I tell the receptionist to please refund my co-pay- I'll find another doctor.

She asks if I'd like to re-schedule. I ask her what part of "I'm never coming back again, don't you understand.

The entire time I was in the waiting room, hot looking young women were running in and out with donuts, breakfast sandwiches, beverages, etc, for the staff.

[slipslidingaway]

106. It must be so frustrating for those who work in the office...

last summer my daughter had an outpatient rotation with a doctor who was always at least an hour late, in that case he just scheduled too many patients.

Hope you found a new doc that you like!

:)

[Daphne08]

68. I have a great doctor as well.

My physician in Louisiana (before I moved to California) was also wonderful. I was raising two sons alone as a teacher, and he would give us the free meds that he received from the PHARMA reps whenever he could. :)

Almost forty years ago, when I lived in another state, I had a terrible, horrendous experience with an OB-GYN who delivered my first son (my regular doctor was out of town when I went into labor), but overall, I do believe most physicians genuinely care for their patients.

[slipslidingaway]

107. Some of the free meds can help, although I would imagine the docs...

should be able to tell them when to come back. My worst doc was also an ob-gyn, almost a two hour wait. After "complaining" there was no charge for the visit and eventuaally I found someone else.

[abbeyco]

5. Good - and if there's a follow-up

I'd like to hear it. I've thought about doing this with my primary care physician - but his lateness is generally for overbooking and I've not see Pharma in his office once in the past year.

Good luck in your search if you have to find a new doc.

[Kali]

6. ...

:thumbsup: :applause:

[LeftyMom]

7. What, pray tell, does "Big Pharma" look like?

Were these guys throwing Viagra samples into the air like beads from a Mardi Gras float, or were you just assuming they were drug reps?

[HuckleB]

9. In most offices, if "Big Pharma" is there, "Big Pharma" is standing around, waiting.

Because most docs won't waste time on them, if they have patients waiting.

[Mojorabbit]

47. This is true of my husband

The girls up front just tell them to leave the samples in the back. They rarely see my hubby. He does run behind for a variety of reasons. Emergencies, or the visit runs over, ie someone makes an appt for gout then breaks down crying as they are filing for divorce, etc which turns a fifteen min appt into a 30 min one. Or someone makes an appt for gout but then mentions they have been having crushing chest pain. Never a boring day.

[cigsandcoffee]

11. They wear more jewelry than Little Pharma, and their clothes are obviously imported.

It would suck to be Little Pharma, and then find yourself constantly mistaken for Big Pharma. I mean, that would suck.

[Wapsie B]

12. Once you've hung around hospitals and clinics long enough you know the "Drug Rep Look."

Dark power suit, impeccably groomed like a GQ cover not a hair out of place, athletic body. It's just something you pick up on after awhile.

[petersjo02]

38. And carrying a brief case or something similar. n/t

[femrap]

70. The women are very pretty....

and YOUNG, of course.

[Pacifist Patriot]

80. My sister was 40 when she was a pharma rep.

She'll be thrilled to hear she was regarded as young and very pretty. Thanks!

[femrap]

119. You're welcome.....

Too me, 40 is young. And you said 'was.' How old is she now and is she still a BigPharma rep?

Wait till she hits the magic 5 0 and becomes invisible....tell her to start working on developing strong vocal chords.

[Pacifist Patriot]

78. LOL! My sister was a pharmaceutical rep for 18 months.

Hated the job by the way and couldn't wait to get out. You don't remotely describe her or any of her fellow reps. And she worked for one of the Biggest of the Big Pharma. Nice mental picture though.

I spot the drug reps because a) they look bored as shit, b) while not in Armani they are usually a little better groomed than most patients, c) they have a briefcase or larger than normal bag most of us would leave behind in the car when waiting for a medical appointment and d) the front office staff keeps looking at them out of the corner of their eyes hoping the person is bringing in sandwiches.

[dixiegrrrrl]

85. Great description!

[mdmc]

13. Well at the mental health clinic that I work at

They are the people with suits, a laptop, free goodies (pens, post-it notes), and treats for the staff..

[ThomCat]

22. In any doctor's office they are the ones in expensive suits who know

every staff person by name, have giveaways to hand out, and are asking for "just a moment of Dr. ____'s time" no matter how busy the office is.

One measure of a good doctor is whether they are made to wait, or whether the patients have to.

[Democrat_in_Houston]

26. With my docs, "big pharma" is usually an impeccably groomed, good looking woman

pulling a leather tote on wheels.

[riderinthestorm]

16. Oh boy, you can't mistake them if you've seen them

I like the description downthread: dressed and groomed out of GQ or Women's Wear. Very athletic. But most tellingly, they are on a first name basis with the receptionist and they ALL tote around a rolling suitcase (presumably filled with samples and other stuff).

[cabluedem]

21. Bingo! Its like seeing clones or the Men in Black. LOL! nt

[GoCubsGo]

66. I have seen them, too.

In my gynecologists' office. Men in suits. Some were not BIG PHARMA, however. They were BIG EQUIPMENT.

[dugaresa]

37. and if it is lunch time they bring in large trays of goodies from places like Panera or

even specialty shops to bribe receptionists

I have a friend who works for Big Pharma, he is tall dark handsome and is uber charming. He makes big bucks going from office to office.

[inna]

17. They are obvious when you see them (and observe their interactions with the office personnel).

Well dressed, and (almost) always with those rolling suitcases (whatever those are called).

I do academic research, and I come in contact with these people on daily basis. I can tell a rep at a first glance, within a second.

[cabluedem]

18. The Pharma reps I see are very well dressed women in thier late 20's to early/mid 30's who have nice

breifcases and are obviously not patients. When they go up to the desk the staff never ask when their appt. is or for a medical card. Usually they are visiting male doctors using their good looks to sell their wares (they are never older women, never overweight, and always very pretty). I had a talk with my doctor about this as well. 45 minutes and I walk out the door now.

[shireen]

19. dressed up in sharp suits, pulling the long handle of a carry-on bag with wheels. nt

[Hello_Kitty]

29. If you don't know what a sales rep looks like by now I don't know what to tell you. eom

[gristy]

34. As others have already said, they are very easy to spot.

Young, very good looking, very nicely dressed, and not sick at all. They stand out, to say the least.
I saw them a lot at my HMO a few years ago, but not lately. It's a pretty good HMO and maybe they laid down some rules.

[Hello_Kitty]

44. Seriously, when I go to the doc I'm usually sick as a dog or it's for some required check up

IOW, I'm not dressed to the nines.

[donheld]

41. I've seen the "Big Pharma" reps in my Dr's office too

Usually some bimbo looking female. Fortunately my Dr doesn't keep me waiting, it's just very hard to get an appointment.

[blueamy66]

61. I'm guessing that most patients

don't show up for appointments in suits....????? With their satchels.....

on edit: Wow, did I come in late here or what? :-)

[Dappleganger]

63. Around here Big Pharma looks like a hot, buxom blonde

who can make every dream come true.

[krabigirl]

72. the blonde is usually fake.

[krabigirl]

71. Usually they are blond bimbos and yes, they have bags of drugs.

My dad was a doctor, and I worked for many years in his office. I couldn't stand the big pharma reps.

[madamesilverspurs]

77. "Big Pharma" sorta

showed up for my heart cath procedure. There I was on the table, all prepped, cardiologist came in with a guy also wearing surgical gear; I asked if the procedure usually required two doctors, and she answered, "No, he's a sales rep with the company that makes the device I'll be using. He's here to observe. Is that okay with you?" Considering where they insert that tube, and further considering that I should have been asked that question earlier, I answered no. He left, they did the procedure; and the doc did apologize for blindsiding me like that.

---

[Dr.Phool]

82. In my FORMER doctors office,

They were the ones running around with boxes of donuts and sandwiches and coffee for all of the staff.

[uppityperson]

89. Having worked in clinics for quite some time, there is no "one" look.

Some are male, some are female. Some young, some old. Some Beautiful People, some ordinary people. Some in suits, some in just decent clothes.

Everyone in a suit is not "Big Pharma".
Everyone fitting the Beautiful People designation is not "Big Pharma".

People wearing suits may be people who are at work, taking a break to see their health care provider. Same with people carrying briefcases, or even rolling thingies.

Those who bring in trays of sandwiches or donuts may be delivering food, but may be "Big Pharma" since they (used to) give treats.

Some drug reps really hate what they are doing. One told me he got in trouble for throwing away the stupid "free" crap embossed with their logo so please please please take this box of pens, give them away, throw them away but please take them off his hands.

Some like to leave samples and leave, some are more pushy and obnoxious.

It all depends.

[AspenRose]

91. They actively recruit former cheerleaders for sex appeal.

http://www.ahrp.org/infomail/05/11/28.php

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/28/business/28cheer.html

[sandnsea]

8. Somebody better be dying before I wait like that

Where do you live? Is that common in your area? I can't even remember waiting more than ten minutes to see the doctor, unless there's an emergency.

[cabluedem]

25. You are lucky. Most docs make us wait half an hour. I get up and leave. Bill wont be paid ever. nt

[sandnsea]

35. We have lots of old people with supplementals

I think they get tired and achey if they have to wait so the schedules must be suited to them. They can all move if they don't like it here and we all know it.

[Hekate]

92. My gyn's staff was courteous enough to let us know there was an emergency C-section keeping the doc

... away from the office. We were all rescheduled.

I can live with emergencies; after all, I hope to get the same attention if I ever need it. Even if they tell me the doc's car broke down, I get that.

What I can't stand is a doctor or other medical provider who runs an incompetent office staff that lacks either the wit or the instruction from their boss to treat patients' time with respect, keeping them informed and offering to reschedule. That and taking my message; if I have a serious question, I don't want to be told later that the message pad has no room for a message (it happened).

We are very fortunate to have slowly gathered a network of providers we like and trust, and friends who can give us referrals if one of our providers decides they don't want to deal with insurance any more (it has happened more than once--I still miss my old gyn).

Hekate

[inna]

10. Right on! Kudos to you, more people should speak up!

:applause:

KR

[shireen]

14. that's pretty awful

are they paying him for his time or something?! It's ridiculous.

I have long waits at my doctor's office too, but it's not because of big pharma. She spends time with her patients to make sure they get what they need from her. So a 15 appointment may drag to 20 or 25 minutes. Or she has to deal with an emergency. Or she doesn't get in by the first appointment time because she was at the hospital to check on her patients there. So I wait, and I don't mind at all because she's an incredible doctor who really cares about her patients. I wish all of us could have doctors like her.

[HillbillyBob]

45. My Drs at Duke are always courteous, to clarify, I did not have to wait for Pharma

This really is the first time I just could not wait there.
I have been through a number of drs here for the pharma reason and attitudes of other drs. Hell I have been HIV+ for almost 30 yrs longer than most of these youngsters have been out of diapers let alone med school.
I am a layman, but have been in on studies, classes, etc & etc. When I say a med won't work is because I am allergic or I have already used that med and it failed me.

I know the big pharma types by eye as well, since I used to be a sales man not pharma, but I have done sales and recognize them. I had to be 'Dressed and Groomed'.

I also had several friends who were reps a long time ago at the time when Pharma started upping the ante. My friends would go in do their thing usually on a Sat am or other time the DR specified. They were let go when the Pharma started to become really slimy.

[guitar man]

20. Very good

You just forgot two words. "Youre Fired!!"

[CAG]

23. Bravo! Boy I wish more and more people would do this. I have no problem

with ruffling drug rep's feathers. You should read some of their attitudes towards their customers over at cafepharma.com.

[AspenRose]

93. I think I need a shower after reading some of that crap.

:wow:

Very enlightening.

[arthritisR_US]

24. I think you were well within your rights to feel the way you did/do and I

applaud you on how you handled it. Good one, rsmith :-)

[Fire1]

27. GOOD FOR YOU!!! OUTSTANDING!!!! I stopped waiting

for appointments YEARS ago and have witnessed the same steady stream of big pharma come and go out of doctor's offices. I REFUSE to PAY to be treated so insignificantly!

[hunter]

28. I think they dip them in top secret pharmacy company pheromones.

The kind of pheromones that call out "Pay attention 'cause this could be your lucky day, baby!!!"

[Ignis]

31. You were far more patient than I would have been.

But good on you for leaving a note. :thumbsup:

[Not Me]

32. I give them 30 minutes.

And I walk out. It cost me a dentist, but I LOVE my new dentist and it all worked out well.

[Phentex]

50. I waited 45 minutes to get in and then fell asleep waiting

for the doctor in room number 2. I would have walked out but I paid a $40 copay and I needed the results of some tests in order to make a decision about what to do next. When he finally came in, he did not apologize for the wait, spent maybe 45 seconds to tell me the results and left an assistant to answer any questions. I was supposed to do a follow up but I never called back. And they never called ME back.

[northofdenali]

36. I guess I'm a very lucky doctor-getter.

Your experience is, sadly, more the norm for most folks. My doctor has never kept me waiting more than 10 minutes past appointment time, the office always verifies the day before, and if there is a delay? I know about it well before my appointment. Plus he's a terrific doc! And cute! :P

Of course, I've had the same doc for 15 years; he's a dedicated sled dog race fan (as I am) and his nurse has been with him as long as I have. So I got really, really lucky.

Now ask about when my spouse had a heart attack and we wound up being medevac'ed to Anchorage cuz nobody here in town could handle the problem...........

[prolesunited]

39. Not that I think you should wait that long

but there is a constant stream in my doctor's office as well.

He's collecting all of the free samples to distribute to patients with no insurance or those who can't afford their meds. He's helped my dad out as well as me on numerous occasions.

I'm not sure what your doc is doing, but mine uses big Pharma visits to take care of his patients.

[MicaelS]

43. My doc is great, he uses big pharma, too.

He gets lots of free samples of meds. Many times he has said "Take these samples for two weeks or even a month, and try them out. Here's a 'scrip if they work. If not come back and we'll try something else."

[Dappleganger]

64. Just an FYI, but most doctors do that.

Pretty much all reps leave samples and nearly every doctor we've ever seen offers them, so IMO that doesn't make them all that special. Realistically it shows that the doctor is going to prescribe whatever the drug rep left behind even if it's not the best (and most cost-efficient) med for the patient. Now the patient may feel like his doctor is a saint for being so helpful, but talk about a marketing scheme!

[BuddhaGirl]

40. good for you!

putting BIG PHARMA reps over patients sucks - the doc deserves to be reamed a new a**hole!

[HillbillyBob]

42. I had a similar day.

I had an apt with cancer dr, I have to travel 45 miles, a bit over an hour actually a little more today because of snow. My partner had to miss a day of work because I was supposed to get a biopsy to see if my colon cancer had returned (had indications been through 3 cancer surgeries already. We arrived a few minutes early. We had to cope with our icy 2/3 mile driveway which has steep up and down hills.
We waited, I fell asleep in the waiting room, nurse called similar name to mine I went up and asked if I had been called no. I said I have been here 1/2 hr, 15 min later I went up and asked when they would see me..In few minutes I was told , I waited another 20 min, then went up again. Same answer. When it hit an hour and a half I went up and said I was leaving because I wanted to get back home by dark because it is starting to freeze and our driveway becomes a sheet of ice and we would likely get stuck or damage our only transportation. The nurse came out and said you can't leave..the hell I can't. I have been here almost 2 hrs.
I have to go home or deal with frozen driveway, stuck or wrecked car.
I asked for an earlier in the day apt.
I may be on disability and not have a job, other than trying to keep up with the house, meals and 4 dogs (gay children).
They seem to act like my time is not important.
To be honest I usually do not have a problem with waiting at Duke, because I expect to wait an hour, but when I say going in that I can't wait all day..I had not eaten at all and it was already 4 O'Clock it was almost dark when we got home and the drive was starting to ice over. It started sleeting /icy rain 30 miles from home.
I did set another apt for a couple weeks from now. I really resent having to not eat from the night before for a late afternoon apt because I get low blood sugar if I do not eat at regular intervals and that can lead to migraines or grand mal seizures.
And It was not busy there today like it usually is.

[juno jones]

48. Drug reps are more than a nuisance.

I once worked in a deli that delivered for reps to a lot of offices. We catered a couple of events that turned weird.

I once hid behind an icemaker with my boss, the owner of the shop, as a party a drug host was repping (featuring Jonnie Walker blue) quickly and painfully got out of hand.

Owner and prole could only grin nervously at each other and say, "oh shit" as the dozen or so psychiatrists got boisterously hammered courtesy of the former cheeleader representing Prozac.

I once lived in a med school town. There are so many stories to tell.

[madmax]

49. Bravo

I wonder how many junkets he'll be enjoying courtesy of Big Pharma. I've had that happen to me with a certain Dr. I used in the past, I completely agree with your post and the note to the Dr.

We are formerly of NJ and now live in NC. I've had many health issues since moving, some serious. However, I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes to see any of my new Dr.'s. The office management here is much better or maybe the Dr'.s are a bit less greedy.

Tip of the hat to you, Sir. Great job.

[seabeyond]

51. did dr call you back and apologize? last 3, 4 dr i have used work hard to get right in

they have signs on check in stating if not called back within 15 min let them know.

i know it used to be an issue but a handful of years ago, there was a to do and i saw dr react.

i dont use medical often at all, so not real experienced in it.

i am wondering if there is an update to your story though

and the significance of having to hear about you reading sex articles, as if that is essential in story is silly, btw. like affirmation to your manhood and i wonder why the need to confirm to all on du

[TexasObserver]

53. Not the way I would suggest handling it.

First, if you really needed to see the doctor, you deprived yourself of that opportunity by leaving.

Second, you may not be entirely right in your conclusions about the Pharma reps. You may be right, but you may not be.

Third, by leaving, you prevented yourself from telling the doctor directly of your complaints, AFTER he got finished examining you and giving you a prescription. You might have heard an explanation. Part of the doctor's job is to hear about new medications. That doesn't mean he should make patients wait so long, of course, and you're right to be angry about that rudeness on his part.

Fourth, you don't have a copy of what you wrote. When you write anyone a letter of complaint, if you don't keep a copy you might as well toss it directly into the trash. A letter sent in the mail, certified, is a letter that is more likely to draw a response. If you write him a long letter, typewritten, sent certified, you can assure yourself that you've given him a couple of hours of payback. He'll either tell you not to come back or he'll make sure you don't wait like that again.

[whistler162]

54. BIG PHARMA? did they wear signboards?

Bill the Dr. for your time!

[ddeclue]

58. Didn't Elaine try to do that on Seinfeld?

[Fire1]

73. Pharmaceutical reps are easily picked out of a line up. n/t

[Jenny_D]

55. Good for you!

Last year I switched doctors for the same reason. My new doctor seems much more attentive and caring (and also doesn't forcefeed his patients Faux News in the waiting room, unlike my old doctor), so I regret not making the switch sooner.

[raccoon]

56. Good for you! I think more people should do that.

Orthopedic Drs. are the worst for making you wait. Now maybe they can't help it, people don't plan to have fractured bones.

BUt my advice to you is CALL and ask them how they are doing for time before you show up. You can end up waiting HOURS for them.

[proud2BlibKansan]

57. Normally I don't mind waiting for a doctor to see me

I figure the doctor is taking his/her time with each patient and I appreciate that I will get the same dedication.

But in this case, I agree with you 1000%.

[wicket]

59. K & R

:kick:

[olegramps]

60. Maybe my doctor is the exception:

I have been waiting when I have seen pharmaceutical Representatives show up. The receptionist told them that they could make an appointment for Monday mornings between 7:00 and 9:00 A.M. They were welcome to leave their information.

When I have had to wait, I was told that my doctor had to take additional time with a patient and they apologized for the delay. I can easily imagine that some test result or examination could reveal something serious and not be anticipated. As long as I am kept informed, I don't have a problem and have been offered to reschedule if I couldn't wait. When he is running behind, he is very apologetic. He takes time to explain things and answer questions which could also put him behind. Overall I don't have any problem, but I can see that it could be very irritatingly.

[Dappleganger]

65. This is a good example of what doctors should be doing.

The reps WILL return, they are salespeople and need the sales.

[guruoo]

67. Hippocratic Oath

The Hippocratic Oath is an old oath historically taken by doctors swearing to ethically practice medicine.
...
Contrary to popular belief, the Hippocratic Oath is not required by most modern medical schools.
...

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:

I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.

I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient's recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath#Oath_text

[femrap]

69. K and R

Kick some dr. and bigPharma ass!!! I love it.

I highly recommend that you send this letter to the AMA as well....and any other agency that oversees doctors in your state!!!!

Hope you can find a good doctor in your area. I finally found one....I just keep taking vitamins and hope nothing goes wrong until I just die on the spot!

[tomm2thumbs]

76. his hands were too busy in big pharma's pockets to even give you exam when the time came

I saw the same thing helping my cousin during his surgery follow-up. Those obnoxious little black outfitted drones, pulling the little black carryon bags with pharma logos & loot, walking in with Starbucks drink bribes in hand - enough to make me puke.

Always request generic drugs for prescriptions when the doctor is filling them out for you. It is your right to ask for them. Do it before they write out your prescription. Your weapons against these idiots are few, but use the one you have. Your voice.

[Pacifist Patriot]

79. When it comes to medical practices I look for patterns not single experiences.

Almost dumped a doctor because of delays when I was feeling particularly poorly and not in the mood for waiting or feeling like no one cared. Not sure what happened that day but in retrospect it was an anomaly. Most times the nurse brings me back within 5 minutes of appointment time and I wait in the exam room no more than an additional 5 minutes. Yesterday I got taken back ten minutes early and was out 5 minutes after my appointment time was supposed to have begun. Brilliant experience!

You must have really needed to see the doctor. Unless I have an urgent matter, I give 30 minutes in the waiting room before I tell the office staff my time is too valuable, the doctor will have to reschedule.

Hope you're doing okay!

[prole_for_peace]

98. My doctor's office is like yours.

I usually only have to wait a few minutes. During cold and flu season it might be as much as 30 but never longer.

I once went to a doctor for a mystery rash (it was poison oak). The waiting room was full and after about 45 minutes I raised my head from my book and realized that no one had been called back since I had sat down. There was an elderly lady in the waiting room that looked very very sick. Since I am stubborn and had no where to be I decided to just sit and see what was going to happen. We all sat there for about 45 more minutes until someone got up to ask the receptionist what was going on. The woman behind the desk said the doctor had left the building for some reason or another. Needless to say there was a mini revolt. I have never had something like that happen. Sometimes they get called out on an emergency but the waiting patients are always notified. This guy had just left for a meeting or errand or something not an emergency and they just expected us to sit there all day for him to come back. Most of us left after loudly vocalizing our displeasure. I never went back to him. He had been a jerk before but this was even beyond what I thought he would do.

[w8liftinglady]

81. you might find this interesting

http://acronymrequired.com/2009/08/pharmaceutical-conflict-of-interest-physicians-research.html
Pharmaceutical Conflict of Interest Laws

Doctors Fret On Behalf Pharma: Pro Bono For What? No Free Lunch?

Vermont and Massachusetts recently passed strict conflict of interest laws that require certain drug and medical-device manufacturers to inform state health officials of gifts made to doctors. At least half a dozen states have similar laws. Pharmaceutical companies spent $2.93 million on marketing in Vermont in 12 months. Payments and gifts to some Vermont psychiatrists totaled more than $100 thousand dollars a year. Nationwide, pharmaceutical companies spend between $20 billion and "$57 billion per year" on marketing per year.
more at site...
As a nurse,I saw firsthand what happened when the pharmaceutical cos. would make their rounds...all of a sudden,the patients were being presribed "X" instead of "Y".I've seen attending physicians ask.."Why did we change to "X",and the residents sheepishly look away when we said-"they gave us lunch yesterday"
In Texas,even-they can't do this anymore...at least not for the nurses and ancillary staff.

[Clear Blue Sky]

83. Good for you. Find a new doc.

[WCGreen]

86. My doc makes the Pharma reps wait...

But he grabs the drugs so he can give them for free to people who can't afford or have script insurance...

[NICO9000]

95. Mine does exactly the same thing

In fact, last year he told me that he's informed all his patients that he will see us at a reduced rate (or free if he has to). He knows how fucked everything is and was really pushing for single-payer. The best thing he said was this: "I took an oath to the profession, not to the insurance companies."

I've been with him for almost 20 years now. He's the same age as I am (50) and we both can relate to each other. My wife started seeing him last year and she loves him too.

[sailor65]

87. In the midst of all the bitching about BIG PHARMA,

almost every doctor I know has a huge cache of med samples that they share with the patients who need them financially. Some patients in the office my wife works at are nearly dependent on the samples.

So when you are sitting in the waiting room all upset because BIG PHARMA reps are about, ask yourself where the doctors get all the samples that those patients worse off than you are benefit from.

[raccoon]

90. Gee, so we should be grateful to Big Pharma for giving our Drs. a few samples

and at the same time we Americans are paying much higher prices for our prescription drugs than people in other countries?

Maybe if Big Pharma didn't charge us so damn much more people could afford the drugs in the first place.

[AspenRose]

94. Hey, be satisfied with the little crumbs you get thrown to you, peon!

:sarcasm:

You are right, of course

[quakerboy]

111. I wonder how far the "57 billion per year" they spend on "marketing"

would go in helping those who cant afford the meds.

57 billion/year=4.75 billion per month
4.75billion/month= 15.833 million $300/month perscriptions

I would hazard a guess that they are by and large not handing out free samples of the really pricey drugs, particularly not in any quantity.

[Hekate]

88. That happened to me -- once. I was left nekkid in the exam room for well over an hour...

... with only a paper drape for company. I finally dressed and left, never to return. It was my first and only visit there. On my way out I asked the receptionist if there had been an emergency, and if so, why hadn't someone let me know. No -- no excuses. I told her that I fully expected that my insurance company would NOT be billed, and that I WOULD be calling my insurance company to make sure of it. Reschedule? No thank you. I don't know if that doc still a "preferred provider" or not, but I did call my carrier.

Hekate

[w8liftinglady]

115. that happened to my pre-adolescent son,too

I was VERY pissed off.Wrote the administrator,head nurse,and physician.My son was being evaluated for an obesitry program and already had self-esteem issues.He was placed in a very small paper gown,and left in a cold hospital room...ignored by the staff.I also communicated to the insurance company that I had no intention of paying any part of my copay for that visit,since I received such substandard care.The hospital still billed me,and I returned each bill with a note regarding their neglect and disregard of mf my child.It is crucial that you speak up.That is the only way the hospital will increase staffing patterns and change the situation(they are ALL about customer satisfaction...oh,I mean PATIENT)

[BlueCollar]

96. This airline employee sympathizes...K&R

:thumbsup:

[prole_for_peace]

97. I work in a CPA firm that has a lot of doctor clients.

When we have meetings scheduled with doctors I have tried to talk the partner in to making the docs wait about 30 minutes past the scheduled time so they can see what it is like. So far it's been a no go...

[YOY]

99. This Rail Road Employee sympathises as well.

We're late ourselves mostly because of corporate whores in our way as well...and people complain.

I have a shitty doctor as well. If I could change I would.

Does anyone know if there is a database of doctors who eschew the fuckers? I doubt it.

[Seedersandleechers]

100. I worked for a Doctor 20 years ago who courted big pharma to get

a large supply of samples to give to poor patients who couldn't afford meds. He was able to get the meds he wanted/needed and a lot of BC pills went to young poor women. Sometimes you have to do what is necessary.

[crim son]

101. Good for you.

I will mention that twice in the past I waited for over an hour and upon asking when I'd be seen, discovered my appointment had been overlooked (different offices, different cities). I also worked in an ob/gyn office where the doctor was constantly being hung up and the policy was to inform the patients and let them decide whether or not to stick around. Even then, patients would get upset but you can't predict when somebody's going to go into labor. I know what big pharma looks like and don't doubt your assessment of the situation. Some doctors are schmucks.

[Amonester]

104. I live in a bad 'gobbernmint-run' healthcare country (Canada)...

and I never have to wait to see my Dr. (the one I chose...) on appointments.

Plus, I don't have to contact any insurance cartel's rep., nor does visiting my Dr. on time (I always arrive 10-15 min. early) ever cost me anything.

Gee. I live in a really bad 'governmint-run' healthcare country (according to the right-wing propaganda).

Alright, I pay almost half of my earnings in taxes of all kinds (income + sales taxes) and I don't care!

Wish you had the same.

[Seedersandleechers]

108. Half your income in taxes?

Oh my.

[Amonester]

110. A little less than half, but we're covered wall-2-wall, anytime.

And for anything. And that's... priceless. 'Free Health-Care' is not free, after all.

Sales taxes are refundable in part, based on overall income, and income taxes are 'progressive' (those who earn more, pay more, but still have access to lots of deductibles, and all kinds of tax credits), so I was just speaking about myself.

[Festivito]

120. Add your "free" HCare, retire, unemp, disab insur, +property,sales, then calc%

You, we, US, can pay closer to 80% in taxes for UNTRANSPORTABLE benefits. They pay 50%, that's a bargain.

[Seedersandleechers]

121. I guess I'm lucky

I'm a nurse working for a non-profit hospital and I pay zero for health care if I use the doctors and facilities where I work. There isn't any deductibles. But again this is not the norm and I feel privileged. I just wish everyone had that plan and I would be happy to pay more taxes for that to happen. 50% taxes just seemed like a lot of money.

[raccoon]

112. I betcha many Americans pay about half their income in taxes, when you add up

sales taxes, income taxes, gas taxes, fees to local/state/federal gov't for this or that.

Not to mention high premiums paid for individual, and even group, medical insurance, whopping prices for prescription drugs, other medical costs that the insured and uninsured have to pay out of pocket.

[mudplanet]

109. There's a little test you can do to see if the wait is legitimate.

If your doctor comes into the exam room for your appointment and consistently acts like he's too busy to talk to you about your concerns he/she is an asshole businessman and not a doctor. He/she is gaming the system by scheduling the maximum appts. and rushing through them to realize the max "per day" income (they bill the insurance company for a set amount whether they spend five minutes or one hour with the patient). Write a note like you did or, better yet, work out a way you can tell them what you think of them in front of other patients.

If your doctor consistently sees you 15min to one hour later than your scheduled appointments, but when you DO see him/her she/he takes her time to seriously consider all of your issues and worries, then that doctor is probably worth the wait.

This is based on my experiences as a social worker and volunteer working with the elderly. There are a couple of doctors locally for whom I have to wait with clients up to and over an hour past the scheduled appointment, but when we do get in to see the doctor she/he takes her/his time to listen carefully, asks questions which indicate that she/he is concerned and is considering all information carefully. Especially with the elderly and children it is difficult to impossible to accurately schedule how much time you will need to spend with the client. Sometimes we are there simply to ask for a prescription that hasn't been used or prescribed by that doctor before (so she/he can't just write it upon request - the patient must be seen) and take only five minutes and sometimes we're working on a long term strategy to control diabetes with diet and exercise and occupy nearly an hour of the doctor's time. Typically with this type of doctor you'll find she/he will discuss quality of life issues.

Last week I took a client to an appointment with a specialist. We arrived ten minutes early for a 8:40 appointment to be told that the doctor never came in to the office before 9am. This guy is a rude jerk. We countered by leaving for coffee and arriving at five minutes to 9. I know doctors are busy professionals, but the attitude of "My time is invaluable and yours isn't worth anything," is intolerable. Sooner or later I'm going to find the guts to bill a jerk like this for an hour of my time ($80) and take him to small claims court to collect.

[Tracer]

113. Right on.

My doctor's practice is extremely efficient and I never even have time to read the waiting room magazines before I'm called in.

However, if once in the exam room I have to wait a little --- it doesn't bother me at all, because I know my doc is giving the other patient all the time he/she needs and will do the same for me. (The first time I went to this doctor, he spent over TWO HOURS with me!)

And I've never seen a drug rep in this office --- and I've been there dozens of times.

[w8liftinglady]

114. my neurologist is like that-he even emailed me

I am one of those patients who asks a lot of questions...he always takes time to explain everything.He is a professor at the medical school,so that may be part of it.

[superduperfarleft]

118. Another point is, if you have private health insurance, complain to the carrier.

All doctors who are contracted with various insurance networks have certain guidelines to meet, and if the carrier/network gets enough complaints, they could kick the guy out of the network, which would be a serious concern for the patient assembly line type of doctor's offices.

[adigal]

117. I usually have a fit when they keep me waiting like that

I just can't help myself. I tell the receptionist that the doctor doesn't respect my time, and I will not be coming back.