Obamacare
May 27, 2014 10:19:07 #
For all of you fans of Obamacare --
Remember the promise -- "You can keep your doctor."
I'm a Federal Gov't employee with BlueCross/Blue Shield insurance and the same primary care doctor for the past decade. I thought I was bulletproof from the Obamacare madness. NO! The doctor decided to adopt the "concierge medicine" business plan. For those of you not in the know: Concierge medicine is a relationship between a patient and a primary care physician in which the patient pays an annual fee or retainer. This may or may not be in addition to other charges. Other terms in use include boutique medicine, retainer-based medicine, membership medicine, cash-only practice, direct care, direct primary care, and direct practice medicine.
Over the past decade, I've seen this doctor about 5 times annually, 20 minutes maximum per visit. He now wants $1650 annually for membership. At my current annual rate of doctor visits, this calculates to about $330 per visit. Plus, I need to continue paying premiums for my BC/BS insurance.
When asked why he was doing this change, his first response was "Obamacare." Then he gave a 10 minute explanation about the decline of health care in the US, following the Chinese model, and the increasing difficulties in running a medical practice,
So, yes, I can keep my doctor, but look at the cost! For all of you who voted for Obama, THANKS A LOT!
Remember the promise -- "You can keep your doctor."
I'm a Federal Gov't employee with BlueCross/Blue Shield insurance and the same primary care doctor for the past decade. I thought I was bulletproof from the Obamacare madness. NO! The doctor decided to adopt the "concierge medicine" business plan. For those of you not in the know: Concierge medicine is a relationship between a patient and a primary care physician in which the patient pays an annual fee or retainer. This may or may not be in addition to other charges. Other terms in use include boutique medicine, retainer-based medicine, membership medicine, cash-only practice, direct care, direct primary care, and direct practice medicine.
Over the past decade, I've seen this doctor about 5 times annually, 20 minutes maximum per visit. He now wants $1650 annually for membership. At my current annual rate of doctor visits, this calculates to about $330 per visit. Plus, I need to continue paying premiums for my BC/BS insurance.
When asked why he was doing this change, his first response was "Obamacare." Then he gave a 10 minute explanation about the decline of health care in the US, following the Chinese model, and the increasing difficulties in running a medical practice,
So, yes, I can keep my doctor, but look at the cost! For all of you who voted for Obama, THANKS A LOT!
May 27, 2014 10:25:54 #
I find that HMO provider is nothing but a record keeper. Basic blood pressure, blood sugar test (rick finger) and basic. Other than that a appointment maker for specialist!!!
83 yr old retiree.
83 yr old retiree.
Jun 18, 2014 23:03:18 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.