Should I Switch Doctors?

• by Anneta
• 2012-11-09 05:11:42
• Checkups & Settings
• 1536 views
• 13 comments

Hello,

I have had a pacemaker for many years, and I have always had the same doctor. He is a great doctor, with great bedside manner, and is patient. I've never had an issue until now.

I was suffering from some chest pain 3 weeks ago. I called the office to make an appointment to get in that day. The secretary said, I'm sorry but you can't make an appointment until you pay the balance, which was about 40 dollars. She was new, I told her I always pay my existing balances when I come to appointments, and my existing appointment would have been a week away, and then asked her to speak to the doctor about it, because I told her I didn't think the pacemaker was functioning, I was having chest pain, and other concerning symptoms, as well as a heart rate of 40, and there had never been a problem with payment before. She called back, still refusing to make an appointment saying, the doctor agreed. They don't take cash, and I couldn't schedule the appointment the same day I paid, payment had to be cleared first. She said it would take 2-3 business days. I've never heard of that, or had concerns of such a degree. I am covered with insurance, and the balance would be what was left that insurance didn't cover from the last visit.

That was to long of a wait, so I went to the ER. I had a lead fracture, causing pretty serious issues, my pacemaker was non-functional in the lead I depend on for 95% of pacing. When my doctor came in to the hospital to do replacement surgery, he apologized for what had happened with the appointment scheduling.

I have lost some trust in him, I told him, I offered to bring in cash, because I knew something serious was going on that couldn't wait, I didn't know what else I could have done, I had all the signs of a non functioning pacemaker. Now, I'm worried about if some other complication happens, and if I am going to be denied service again. I have no problem paying my bill, it is the insurance who delays the payment, and the remaining balance isn't known for 30+ days, because of this when payment is received, the remaining balance is past due. They won't take payment before insurance pays, which is state insurance, so I can't change it.

Would you keep a doctor like this or not? This is the only time I have had something serious since the first implant, and He is the only Electro within 50 miles of my home. I live in the country, so the closet hospital is also around 50 miles away as well. He was different at the check-up last week. I'm not sure if he is was upset with me that I told the ER doctor, that my heart doctor wouldn't see me because of a balance when the ER doctor asked me if I called him, I was just being honest, but there is a negative difference in his attitude.

Any advice would be great! Thanks for taking the time to read the lengthy details.