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LIRascal
drama. daily.
Member since 3/11 7287 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
I have the best family doctor. love him; can talk to him about anything. Caring, best bedside manner, diagnostics/care, mazing staff etc.
We have been with him for over 30 years.
. He recently sent out a letter saying that he will switch his practice to VIP program and only subscribers can see him! The subscription fee? $1,695 a year! 
Yeah, no. I love you, just not that much. I would expect this from someone who wasn't so kind and good, but why him? It's completely disheartening it sounds wrong and it sounds like a haves versus the have-nots now. In addition now I have to go through the hassle of finding someone new and developing your relationship in establishing a medical history through them again. 
Has anyone ever heard of this and why would they do something like this?
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Posted 3/17/17 9:48 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
ANewDayHasCome
Love multiplies, not divides
Member since 11/12 14481 total posts
Name:
Me
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Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
Unfortunately I have heard of this. No way would I ever do that.
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| Posted 3/17/17 9:53 AM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
My dad's doctor did this. They do it because they are insanely popular, have way too many patients, and want to slim down and offer a more personalized service.
Nothing you can do either pay it to stay with the doctor, or find a new doctor.
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| Posted 3/17/17 9:53 AM |
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pjt212301
LIF Adult
Member since 7/12 1215 total posts
Name:
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Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
I feel like this is becoming more common now but what I don't understand is what happens with your appointments? Does insurance cover this? How can an insurance company allow a doctor to do this? Or if you have to pay out of pocket - jeez! that has to be so expensive on top of the subscription fee
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| Posted 3/17/17 9:56 AM |
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blu6385
Member since 5/08 8351 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
That's ridiculous!! I would never pay that!!
This is an example on whats wrong with our health care in our country. We need to regulate how much everything costs!! Marketing up things by over 100% is uncalled for. Doctors charging patients just to use them on top of regular costs is ridiculous. By doing that is going to cause less people to see doctors regularly! Drs doing thing will push more and more people just to use urgent care rather than them.
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| Posted 3/17/17 10:02 AM |
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Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
I think it's really wrong and goes against everything a doctor should stand for. I would question his or her ethics immediately and find another doc.
I can maybe see this being done at derm offices because so many of them have become beauty - based. But other docs? No.
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| Posted 3/17/17 10:08 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
Greed. Plain and simple
It's all about greed.
More money, more money, more money.
As if they don't charge your insurance company enough of an inflated rate for your office visits
Honestly, it should be illegal for doctors to do this. Healthcare reform should include something about THAT!
And yes, I use urgent care all the time. Easier and quicker. Eff these doctors.
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| Posted 3/17/17 10:10 AM |
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ap123
LIF Infant
Member since 10/10 268 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
I know a very popular primary care doctor that did this a few years ago. He had so many patients that it was difficult for them to schedule appointment especially emergency sick visits. His following was strong enough that he charged a VIP annual fee and he is available by phone 24/7 and the patients that stuck with him have an easier time making appointments.
Still takes insurance, but the annual fee is out of pocket. Some people say it's worth it for the ease of getting appts and the quality of care.
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| Posted 3/17/17 10:13 AM |
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SusiBee
. . . . .
Member since 3/09 8268 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
Posted by ave1024
My dad's doctor did this. They do it because they are insanely popular, have way too many patients, and want to slim down and offer a more personalized service.
Nothing you can do either pay it to stay with the doctor, or find a new doctor.
Same here.
Dad's doctor wanted to trim down his patient load while offering a more comprehensive office visit, a "concierge" service.
The office visit and any testing is still covered under insurance, but not the special fee.
If Dad was sickly and required regular doctor visits, we would have signed up for this.
But, we felt it wasn't worth it for an 81 year old very healthy guy who only needs to go for his annual physical.
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| Posted 3/17/17 10:16 AM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19461 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
So my dad's Doctor did this. He is their neighbor and my dad said I can't pay this. They are personal friends, they go out socially. He told my dad he would waive it for him. See if it is negotiable,
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| Posted 3/17/17 1:19 PM |
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Chai77
Brighter days ahead
Member since 4/07 7364 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
That is really outrageous. Very elitist and terrible IMO. So now we have to pay thousands extra to get decent attentive care? No way would I pay it! and I'd tell them off while I was on my way out the door.
I can only speak for my profession (mental health), that we do not get paid altogether THAT much from insurance companies. Some plans have recently decreased our fees or not have an increase in fee since the 1980's.
I do wonder if charging patients this fee goes against the contract that doctors sign with the insurance company. But I'm sure they can get away with it by calling it an "administrative fee" or something.
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| Posted 3/17/17 3:19 PM |
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Xelindrya
Mommy's little YouTube Star!
Member since 8/05 14470 total posts
Name:
Veronica
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Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
Just my opinion.. no real skin in the game if you will...
The costs aren't different. So now more people CAN get stuff fixed which is a good thing. So more costs out of pocket for the doctor. He's more popular. More costs. He can't over charge and I'm sure can get by (hopefully) but admin wise he's probably drowning.
Admin isn't really part of insurance per se, is it? Hours spent filing and trying to see patients. Are they doctors or mechanics who charge by the hour?
Again how should insurance pay for this?
Doc has to pay bills, payroll, etc. I think they have every right to decline patients, decline insurance, decline certain plans and yes, if the want charge fees for the pleasure of being a patient.
Frankly I see this as no different from the insanity of why my pediatrician thought it was ok force me on to their own schedule vaccination instead of allowing me to follow CDC. Why? Because it is more cost effective for THEM on how they deliver the shots. It had absolutely ZERO to do with my daughter's health or well being and only very specifically had to do with use of nurse time, supply use of needles and supplies, vaccination doses and how they had to keep the records for my daughter. Boohoo! I stuck with CDC. If they wanted, they could kick me out. They that right. Thankfully I had CDC and American Pediatric Association to back me up.
I think more and more doctors are going to be billing fees and charges for all sorts of things.
Remember when you could get copies of your own medical records for free? Because I do. It was unheard of to think of a doctor charging a fee for copies of your very own medical records. Now it's common practice to pay for paper copies. I remember coming home with my own Xray as a kid. Now you never could.
But meh, what do I know?
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| Posted 3/17/17 3:48 PM |
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Chai77
Brighter days ahead
Member since 4/07 7364 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
Posted by Xelindrya
Just my opinion.. no real skin in the game if you will...
The costs aren't different. So now more people CAN get stuff fixed which is a good thing. So more costs out of pocket for the doctor. He's more popular. More costs. He can't over charge and I'm sure can get by (hopefully) but admin wise he's probably drowning.
Admin isn't really part of insurance per se, is it? Hours spent filing and trying to see patients. Are they doctors or mechanics who charge by the hour?
Again how should insurance pay for this?
Doc has to pay bills, payroll, etc. I think they have every right to decline patients, decline insurance, decline certain plans and yes, if the want charge fees for the pleasure of being a patient.
Frankly I see this as no different from the insanity of why my pediatrician thought it was ok force me on to their own schedule vaccination instead of allowing me to follow CDC. Why? Because it is more cost effective for THEM on how they deliver the shots. It had absolutely ZERO to do with my daughter's health or well being and only very specifically had to do with use of nurse time, supply use of needles and supplies, vaccination doses and how they had to keep the records for my daughter. Boohoo! I stuck with CDC. If they wanted, they could kick me out. They that right. Thankfully I had CDC and American Pediatric Association to back me up.
I think more and more doctors are going to be billing fees and charges for all sorts of things.
Remember when you could get copies of your own medical records for free? Because I do. It was unheard of to think of a doctor charging a fee for copies of your very own medical records. Now it's common practice to pay for paper copies. I remember coming home with my own Xray as a kid. Now you never could.
But meh, what do I know?
Right well, not all doctors charge for copies. Mine recently did not. But that fee actually makes sense since they have to use personnel, time, paper and ink to make copies. Max they can charge is 75 cents per page. So I understand that.
Insurance does not pay for administrative costs, of course. We are stuck with that. That's just the nature of the beast. I sometimes spend hours on the phone with patients, inquiries, insurance companies, patients' other doctors, teachers etc for which I am not compensated. I still think charging a fee for people to just be a patient is outrageous and wrong. If everyone walked like I would, that once very busy doctor would have a lot of time on his hands.
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| Posted 3/17/17 4:08 PM |
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MC09
arrrghhh!!!!
Member since 2/09 5674 total posts
Name:
Me speaks pirate!
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
Why charge $1700 like his office is some kind of exclusive country club? And it's not a lifetime fee, it's an annual fee..? So in ten years time you'll have paid this guy $17,000 just for the honor of being a patient? For that I'd expect champagne and caviar at every visit. Was $200 a year not enough? Next year will $1700 not be enough and increase the fee to $2000?
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| Posted 3/17/17 4:21 PM |
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MrsM-6-7-08
<3
Member since 8/06 4249 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
My primary care doctor was going to retire, and with my advice decided to become a concierge doctor.
He is older in his 70's and had over 2000 patients. The wait at his office was over an hour most times I would go.
Now that he is concierge he has about 200 patients that stayed on, we pay $1200 a year a person.
I have his cell number and he also does house calls. I can see him within an hour of calling the office. He still charges a copayment but its capped at $20 per visit. So lets say your insurance has a $30 copay you only pay him $20. My insurance has a $15 copay so that's all I owe him after my visit.
I think this is such a great idea, and I love having a doctor who is not booked up all the time. Each visit is 30 minutes long so there is never a wait to see him.
I completely agree with the original poster about medical being the Have's vs the Have nots. This is a prime example of how the medical field is going right now.
Message edited 3/17/2017 4:38:06 PM.
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| Posted 3/17/17 4:34 PM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17795 total posts
Name:
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Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
Yes - my PCP in high school and college did this. It was sad but, there was no way I could foot that bill.
The theory behind it is nice but, I can't justify the cost.
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| Posted 3/17/17 5:18 PM |
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JennZ
MY LIFE!!
Member since 8/05 25463 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
Posted by NervousNell
Greed. Plain and simple
It's all about greed.
More money, more money, more money.
As if they don't charge your insurance company enough of an inflated rate for your office visits
Honestly, it should be illegal for doctors to do this. Healthcare reform should include something about THAT!
And yes, I use urgent care all the time. Easier and quicker. Eff these doctors.
yes to all of this.
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| Posted 3/17/17 5:56 PM |
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PearlJamChick
No one sings like you anymore.
Member since 7/10 9264 total posts
Name:
Petticoated Swashbuckler
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
I'd do this if my oncologist made this switch, but I don't think this is something that specialized providers are doing. There's just so much more involved, I think.
But if she did...I'd suck it up and pay to stay with her. I already switched hospitals when she moved from NYU to MSKCC, and at that point I told my DH that if she moved to another part of the country, I would have to stay with her...I would fly to see her for my appointments (which are twice per year now) and that could/would probably cost more than $1K/year with other expenses related to travel come into play.
I don't even really have a GP. I have one that cleared me (along with other doctors) for surgeries but when I'm dealing with "regular people" illnesses, I just go to City MD.
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| Posted 3/17/17 6:14 PM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
It's nothing new. I had a dr switch to this back in 2001. It's a way for them to limit their practice and give better care to their patients.
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| Posted 3/17/17 6:27 PM |
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Chai77
Brighter days ahead
Member since 4/07 7364 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
Posted by MrsM-6-7-08
He still charges a copayment but its capped at $20 per visit. So lets say your insurance has a $30 copay you only pay him $20.
Technically, this is insurance fraud.
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| Posted 3/17/17 7:08 PM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
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Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
My dads doctor does this but somewhat differently. If you pay the fee, you get some perks like priority appointments, a separate waiting room. He still sees patients who do not pay the fee, they just don't get the perks.
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| Posted 3/17/17 7:58 PM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
I work in the medical field and I find it repulsive. It should be illegal, IMO.
I would never, EVER go to a doctor who did this because it says a lot about their character and it not the type of person I would want driving my medical decisions.
OP, I would tell to go eff himself and that you hope he finds himself with no patients.
ETA: I also only see doctors employed by large hospitals (mostly NYU, a few Northwell). Not affiliated with, employed by. The doctors employed by large hospitals don't have all this overhead to cover, so they would never charge one of these ridiculous fees and, most importantly, they are, IMO, better doctors. Anyone with a medical license can open a private practice. A place like NYU or what have you will only hire the cream of the crop because they don't want sh!t doctors representing them.
Message edited 3/17/2017 8:12:11 PM.
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| Posted 3/17/17 8:05 PM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
Posted by Xelindrya
Frankly I see this as no different from the insanity of why my pediatrician thought it was ok force me on to their own schedule vaccination instead of allowing me to follow CDC. Why? Because it is more cost effective for THEM on how they deliver the shots. It had absolutely ZERO to do with my daughter's health or well being and only very specifically had to do with use of nurse time, supply use of needles and supplies, vaccination doses and how they had to keep the records for my daughter. Boohoo! I stuck with CDC. If they wanted, they could kick me out. They that right. Thankfully I had CDC and American Pediatric Association to back me up.
I'm pretty sure pediatricians are required to follow CDC/AAP recommendations. They can't go giving your kid 10 vaccines at once. That's illegal. They would lose their license.
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| Posted 3/17/17 8:20 PM |
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LoveDayLove
LIF Adult
Member since 2/11 1250 total posts
Name:
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Re: Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
Posted by PearlJamChick
I'd do this if my oncologist made this switch, but I don't think this is something that specialized providers are doing. There's just so much more involved, I think.
But if she did...I'd suck it up and pay to stay with her. I already switched hospitals when she moved from NYU to MSKCC, and at that point I told my DH that if she moved to another part of the country, I would have to stay with her...I would fly to see her for my appointments (which are twice per year now) and that could/would probably cost more than $1K/year with other expenses related to travel come into play.
I don't even really have a GP. I have one that cleared me (along with other doctors) for surgeries but when I'm dealing with "regular people" illnesses, I just go to City MD.
This to a T except for it's my rheumatologist. I don't have a GP either but my rheumatologist and his staff are there for me whenever I need through it all and that would be worth the money to me for his specialty.
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| Posted 3/17/17 8:22 PM |
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hmm
Sweet
Member since 1/14 8012 total posts
Name:
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Doctor VIP/subscription only program?
my PCP hubby is one now, MVP medicine and has a following, they are an amazing Dr
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| Posted 3/17/17 9:47 PM |
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