EDITOR, The Tribune.
I am deeply concerned with the way that doctors are allowed to charge for a report after a patient has paid to see the doctor reference to a particular illness or injury.
The purpose of the visit is to be diagnosed and treated and get well or commence proceedings for some liability.
The report costs more than than co-pay in some instances and ought to be the end result of any visit or number of visits.
It seems to be big business where persons have been injured by another person’s negligence, that doctors charge sometimes in excess of $300 to provide details of what they diagnosed and treated.
They are in essence collecting from the patient for what was already paid for or for them to tell the patient what they paid for.
A patient should be entitled to a written report that reflects what has been said and done by both the doctor and patient, as well as possible long term effects.
This issue ought to be addressed by the Minister of Health post haste. Often times, these outrageous, unfair bills have to be paid out of pocket by the patient before any claim can be made and even if it were not the case, I maintain that a doctor’s report should be a part of the wellness process and ought not to have a cost.
It should be the standard that a report is generated based on the patient’s visits and made available to that patient whenever necessary.
If a cost is assessed after an initial copy is generated, it should be for the cost of stationary and a small service charge, not the cost of a monthly light bill.
HUYLER
Nassau,
October 3, 2017.
Comments
DDK 6 years, 7 months ago
"If a cost is assessed after an initial copy is generated, it should be for the cost of stationary and a small service charge, not the cost of a monthly light bill."
I wouldn't get them started, a report is an expected part of the cost of a visit and diagnosis. Of course they would probably bump up the cost of the visit. Ah, the insurance, legal and medical professions.................
jujutreeclub 6 years, 7 months ago
All these doctors offices should be investigated. If you don't have insurance, they charge you $ 100.00. If you do, then the bill to the insurance company is $500.00. Your limit on the medical insurance is 1 million dollars before they cut you off completely. Whats happens is that you get less medical attention from the 1 million dollars ceiling and the doctor's offices benefit the most by charging these extra fees to the insurance companies.
ohdrap4 6 years, 7 months ago
do not forget to investigate the insurance company.
the doctors bill them 300.00, they pay out 75.00 to the doctor. the guy without insurance paid 100.
the drug companies are like that too. some tell you the drug cost 450 per month, you go to their website without insurance fill out some forms and you can have it for 90. here in the bahams the doctor arranges that for you.
joeblow 6 years, 7 months ago
After speaking with a Dr. I was made to understand several things. Firstly, all professionals place a value on their time and market forces apply, that's why they have hourly or sessional rates (lawyers, physiotherapists, pilates instructors, painters etc.). No one but the professional gets to decide what an hour of that professionals time is worth. If someone charges $300.00 for a service and that's too expensive for you then shop around to find a price that is suitable for you. Some lawyers charge $400.00 or more an hour. Only enlist their services if you can afford it, but don't request their services and then complain about the price
Secondly, a visit and letter are not the same thing. He said many patients do not clearly communicate their needs. Letters have legal implications that visits alone do not and requires additional time to craft suitably ( that has a cost in time). In addition, court time and other inconveniences and followup letters may be involved.
Lastly, I was advised that a Dr. can charge what he thinks is a fair price for his service, again market forces prevail. There are patients with and without medical insurance. Medical insurance rates are negotiated with insurance companies based on a pay scale for services, but some Dr.s know that cash patients cannot afford to pay the accepted insurance rate for their services so they have a cash only fee that is discretionary. There is nothing wrong with that. In other words they generally receive below market value from cash patients and more acceptable rates from insurance companies.
Its easy to complain. Why vent in the newspaper when simply asking the right person appropriate questions could get you the answers you need?
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