A week ago I saw an eye specialist about a continuing problem with mucous in my left eye. He suggested that I needed surgery to install a stent above my eye and open some blocked tear ducts. It could be done in his office with a series of shots around the eye and then I could watch what he was doing.
The alternative was to go to the surgery center where they would put me out and when I would wake up the repair would be completed. This could be done as soon as September 7. I said this is my choice, surprised that it could be done this soon.
Then on Tuesday of this week I received a call from my family practice informing me that I was required to have a pre-op visit before the surgery. But they only had two appointments open - that evening or September 5. Neither were with my doctor. I had to make a choice and, of course, pay for the visit.
I argued that I see my family doctor monthly, including two weeks ago. And I have another appointment with him in just two weeks. I also saw my heart doctor just two weeks ago. Now what is this doctor who has never seen me going to find in this 10 minute visit? And I will probably end up waiting 30 or more minutes just to see her.
I remember, as a child, that when we needed to see a doctor, he would either come to our house or we would sit in his waiting room waiting our turn. Those were not great memories, but at least you were able to be seen when needed.
Then, for decades things improved. Doctors began making and keeping appointments. And, if needed, they would work overtime to see you. This worked well. The patient was first, not the money.
But then big business stepped in and everything changed. Doctors were bought out by hospitals and corporations. They were no longer given choices to serve their patients first. They were forced to see more patients in smaller intervals. Forced by corporations, money became the goal. Doctors are limited in how many appointments they may schedule so it becomes much harder to get appointments, especially with a doctor you want.
As a result, many doctors, especially mothers, are leaving these practices and forming concierge practices where they control their schedules and make their own decisions. The patient becomes the doctor's boss. And the doctor limits the number of patients. But it cost several thousand dollars a year to join such a practice so few can afford them. Three excellent female doctors have left our "family corporation" and are doing well on their own. They've not been replaced by the corporation.
Will things ever improve? I doubt it. We better get used to being forced to make appointments months in advance, short visits, and being sent to specialists who are also booked far in advance. The only alternatives are busy emergency rooms and urgent care facilities.
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