You see, I was dumped yesterday. No, not by Rian. But by my doctor.
This past summer I have been swimming in medical bills because of a cancer scare. I have five different bills that all totaled to around $800. Guess what? I paid them all on time. I'm my father's daughter in that way. I have perfect credit. I always pay my credit card or medical bills on time, even if it means not having money to eat that month.
This summer, I literally used an entire paycheck to pay off those medical bills. So for a few months, while I got back on my feet, I wasn't able to shop or go out to dinner. It was pretty bad.
Well, apparently there was a sixth bill that slipped under my radar. It fell underneath the front seat of my car. It was a doctor's fee for $27. I had no idea it even existed.
Well, a month ago, I received a notice from a collection agency that I owed $27 or the doctor's office was going to sue me. Apparently this bill was due in September. Horrified, I paid the bill right away.
It didn't matter.
Yesterday, I was received a letter signed by my doctor saying that I was no longer her patient.
The letter stated that the doctor's office does not tolerate late payments. I was no longer welcome there.
I was shocked.
I was so upset, in fact, I couldn't even eat. This doctor, this woman, was someone I had been seeing for seven years. Every year, I have an annual appointment with her. She held my hand through a minor surgery I had five years ago. Due to a rough case of tonsillitis, I literally saw this woman once a week for six months back in 2007. This summer, she comforted me after quite a few lab tests during this cancer scare.
I have literally paid her office THOUSANDS of dollars over the past seven years, all ON TIME. But because I paid a $27 doctors fee two months late, she dumped me as a patient.
Am I wrong to be upset?!
I'm just so crushed. I thought this doctor saw me as a person. But it turns out I wasn't a person to her. I was just another patient. A number on a list that she could erase without a care. Because she doesn't care. I put my health and heart in this woman's hands and she didn't treat it that way.
I mean, the doctors office should have known by looking on a computer that I always pay my bills on time. They should have known that I just paid them hundreds of dollars, so it's not like I was blowing them off. Didn't they think it was odd that I wasn't paying the smallest bill I've ever had from them? Didn't they think to call me and find out what was going on?
I'm sorry for going on about this. It's just really frustrating and I've been depressed about it since I got the letter.
Now I'm going to be spending all weekend searching for a new doctor online. I'm kind of an old person. A change in anything, especially my primary doctor, makes me uncomfortable. I hate starting a whole new relationship.
I just feel like this whole situation is unjust. I believe I was treated unfairly. I want to do something about it. Perhaps write her a letter, telling her how I feel. Or going on some rate-your-doctor website and ranting there. I'm not sure.
Does anyone have any suggestions?...
Anyway, it sucks that I'm moping because I actually have the day off work.
In order to cheer myself up, I decided to post some photos to remind myself why I should be happy today:
I am going to see my boyfriend tonight (well we live together, but because of our schedules we rarely get to see each other, ha)
I am going to see a movie with my dad this afternoon
(I actually have no idea if we're going to see this movie. But it looks cute.)
I'm going to have pizza for dinner!
And I'm going to have a beer (or two) to go with that pizza. Because I deserve it. And I need it.
Why, oh why, did she dump me? What did I do to deserve this?
66 comments:
You are better off NOT having a doctor like that. Consider it a huge blessing.
Kindest regards,
Tom Bailey
Hi Jennifer! Go find yourself a new doctor...it's good that you found out her real character before it's too late. She is just one of those "this is all about business" doctors. And I hate those kind of doctors. What state do you reside? I have a lot of relatives and friends who are practicing doctors in the US. Maybe I can refer you to some. And I assure you, you won't get that treatment from a Filipino doctor.
Treat yourself today and don't stress yourself too much. Hugs!
It's probably an automatic process they have set up through their administrative services, so your doctor may not even be aware. I think it's worth calling and explaining the situation. It's insane that they'd completely drop you for a late payment of $27! Ask to speak to your doctor directly when you call. It's worth a try, at least.
Honestly doctors are very fickle human beings but it might not even have been your doctor personally saying I don't want you as a patient anymore. Some doctors' payment processes automatically when you recieve a late payment will dismiss a patient whether the head doctor knows it or not. I've had 3 surgeries in the past 2 years for medical reasons & it can be a pain in the You know to find a good new one you can trust. I'd say hun check which doctors are on your insurance & then ask around to your friends or trusted people at work if they've gone to any of them. Feel better hun. I've been there, it's rough finding a new doctor.
Oh Jennifer, what a let down. It's so frustrating, over $27. I would suggest writing a professional letter to your doctors office expressing the way you feel . You don't have to be whining about it, but simply state how you feel and how you trusted her all these years and they really let you down. Then find a new doctor, you never know it might be time for a change.
then go out, and eat that pizza!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend beautiful!
Oh, dear. It sounds terribly unfair to me :(
But it sounds like you have the perfect remedies lined up, and I hope they make you feel better!
you should go see the christmas carol !
I'm going ! I'm so excited I think the movie is going to be great :)
I wanted to say,thanks for visiting my blog :)
Your blog is really good
keep up the good work
I agree with Tom... consider it a blessing in disguise. Doctors are here to help us get well; not collect a measly $27. Wow, I am sorry that you are going through all of this, but your weekend sounds like it will help make up for your bad day. Have fun with your Dad and Rian today/tonight!
Good luck finding a new doctor! The right one is out there!!
BIG *Hugs*,
Amy
Terrible doc, that's awful! Sorry and enjoy your bf time and movie and beers and pizza :)
I can't believe in this story. It's just so ridiculous. This doctor is a horrible person, girl. It's really hard to find a doctor that treat you like a real person, like a friend that can support us. And this doctor isn't this person. I hope you find a great doctor, that really help you. Oh, and you should send her a letter. But, stay cool. Enjoy the weekend with your boyfriend =D
xx,
Maju.
hi jennifer, that's so sad. but why don't you give your doctor the benefit of the doubt and clarify it. it just doesn't make sense dumping you for $27. after all those years? c'mon. she should treat you better than that.
anyways, enjoy the rest of the week. you deserve that beer! smile gorgeous! =)
xo
betz
Oh my gosh. I am so sorry to hear about this! I agree with Tom - you better off NOT having that woman as a "doctor".
I think that you should write her a letter, and tell her exactly what you told us. And then rate her on every doctors site you can think of. And then remind her that this is a RECESSION and she should have a little more heart. Her office could have made an effort to at least contact you. She didn't follow procedure. She has to give you at least one more notice before she sent you off to collections - that could harm your credit score!!
ugh.
Chinese Herbalist, maybe?
That is so awful :(
I have no advice as I'm not familiar with your healthcare system, but I hope things get worked out soon x
Honestly, I think you're right to be angry. What kind of bedside manner is that, for a doctor to dump a patient who has a late bill - and one for such a small amount of money! You're better off without her! Don't let it ruin your weekend! And have fun at "A Christmas Carol." I want to see that, as well! :)
I can not believe your doctor did that! That just seems really wrong.
I am so very sorry that she is so rude.
I hope you have a nice day off, it's seems like you have some fun things planned.
lululetty.blogspot.com
Hi,
I could not believe word by word its crazy. I´m sry you have to deal with a doc like that. But I guess it´s better it happens now to you and not later on. Hugs:)
I hope you find a nice new doc:)
Aww, I am so sorry to hear that! It is absolutely ridiculous to ditch a client like that over a small $27 fee. You have been a patient of hers for so long! You really should have been reminded to pay the bill sooner, and more often than once. It is completely outrageous that her office was so harsh.
I really hope that you can find a new doctor that you love. I am sure it will be difficult to adjust since you have seen her for so long. I have been seeing the same doctor ever since I was born so I can't imagine what it would be like to see someone else. However, I am sure you will adjust in time. :)
That's awful! I think that you should speak with her and explain your situation especially if you really liked her. I'm on a search to find a new doctor at the moment and it's hard after leaving one that you've been with for a while.
I really hope this is all just a huge misunderstanding. As several people have mentioned hun, the doctor may not even be aware. I think she deserves a chance to explain. If she didn't know, and you still like her and she helps you, then I say stick with her. I can't believe anyone would be so stupid to drop a patient over $27. There has to be some reasonable explanation.
Keep smiling girlie!
so sorry to hear that! hope everything works out for you!
www.thesocietyofstyle.com
beer, pizza, dad, christmas movies and cute guitar paying bf should def take your mind off of that awful woman! xo
Gosh, thats so sad. I really can't believe it. You ddefinitely have the right to be angry and upset. I like to think that doctors have better relationships with patients than those in other professions because of the nature of their work, so its so sad to see anyone treated in this way.
geez what jerks. you totally deserve to have pizza and beer now!
http://cupcaketrash.blogspot.com
Oh my word!!! That is ridiculous, I would be upset as well, so I don't blame you.
I work at an Orthopedic Hospital for IHC which is who Obama has been praising for the past few months (sorry just had to brag), and that is always something we do. It's mandatory to check a patients history before we assume or discharge anything. How sad that a doctors office such as yours takes something so minor, after such perfect history, and turns it into something major. I'm really sorry, I really feel for you!!!
xoxo JR
WOW. That IS pretty ridiculous. I agree with Tom Bailey. This is your chance to find a doctor who sees you as a person and not just another patient. But you should probably tell her how you feel too or she won't learn from her mistakes because what she did was classless as a human being!
clothedmuch.blogspot.com
I can't believe that! That is sooo crazy and I don't understand it. I hope you find a BETTER doctor that treats her patients with respect and kindness. Cheer up sweetie. Hope you enjoy your pizza, beer, boy, and life. Life is good. Don't let that stupid doctor take your joy away today.
This is so unfair. I would be royally hurt, too.
But I do think that there is a small chance your doctor doesn't know that this happened as she probably doesn't handle the paperwork.
I think you should talk to her first, as severing the relationship may be avoidable.
I would try getting in touch with her to discuss it, sometimes these things are due to computer errors. Now she did sign it, so this could be a different situation.
But you never know, and it would be a shame to lose a seven-year relationship over a potential misunderstanding. Please keep us posted as to how it goes.
And by the way, you scared the shit out of me with the opening line saying you were dumped yesterday! I felt my heart drop into my stomach.
Oh no, I'm so sorry! That's the very worse. That's actually so ridiculous, I don't even know what to say. I hope all goes well in the end.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
quirkyexplosion.blogspot.com
Oh, darling this is just horrible. The medical industry is so corrupt, seriously it is so unjust. I can't believe they would just drop you like that. It is ridiculous. I would be upset too. I hope you can find the perfect doctor out there. It is horrible to find out that people that you trusted can back stab you like that. It is just not right. You are such a sweet girl and I hope all works out for you. It will be a challenge to find a new primary doctor, but maybe this way you might find a great doctor that is even better than your first one. You will be in my prayers and I hope all goes better for you, darling. :)
It was a pizza and beer kind of night too. I wonder if your doctor even knows about this...It could just be the policy and the billing dept. hands out those letters without consulting the doctor. Just a thought. It might be worth going and speaking to your doctor directly.
Gosh, Jennifer!
I feel for you. It's hard to get over a dumping ... any dumping as a matter of fact. That doctor just lost a precious and loyal patient in you. I am channelling good karma for you ... that you find an even better physician to replace her! Take care and stay fab always no matter what the circumstances are!
Nina
this is ridiculous!! we are very lucky in Ireland and the UK general doctors appointments are free, x rays etc are free. You only pay if you wanna go private, which means you get seen right away (no waiting lists) and usually be the best in their field, Ive had many health problems this yr.. still not resolved so i go private and pay. But to sue you over 27 dollars is disgusting! your doctor should be ashamed!
magpie-girl.blogspot.com
Girl! I can't believe that. You'd think that with a doctor they'd be concerned enough to maintain a personal relationship, but that sucks so much that you're just a number on her patient list. I've had to change practices becuase here you can only go to doctors if you're in their postcode, and I've had to change to Indie Boy's dad's practice, so now it's him who will be dealing with all my cholesterol sucky things. I pleaded with my old pratice to keep me, because the one is a cholesterol expert, but they were super mean!!!
It sucks, hope you had an awesome eve with lots of pizza and lots of beer, you deserve it xoxo
I like how you found the silver lining in your day. My favorite part was when you sought the things to appreciate. Mmm... pizza :)
Jennifer, I cannot believe this happened and especially to such a lovely person like you and when you have been going there for such a long time. This is honestly the most unjust situation I have heard about in a long time. I think you should definately write her a letter explaining how you feel. I expect it would have some sort of impact but even if it doesn't I would feel better knowing that I had tried and at least done something. I must say I am relieved that Rian did not dump you. I was a little shocked when I read the title and first sentence as it sounded like that might be the case but thankfully not!
xxxxx
You little love. I'm so sorry. You are not wrong to be upset. I hope you have some fun at the movie. If you don't have money to eat please let me know and I'll drive up and take you out! xoxo
SC
Have you tried talking to your doctor? I agree with others - It might just be a formality her administration goes through automatically when bills don't get paid, but if you actually spoke to her directly, she might be reasonable. I definitely think it's unfair, but if she still refuses to keep you as a patient, you're better off without her. I know the healthcare system in the U.S. isn't exactly the best in the world (I'm actually shocked you have to pay all those bills yourself... in Europe you'd be covered for all that), but just firing patients like that sounds very harsh to me. Good luck!
And hope the boyfriend, pizza, movies and beer cheered you up! I'm wanting to check out the Jim Carrey movie as well!
thats disgusting! this woman obv doesnt appreciate you and the way you handle your finances so i say it's her loss. You can go and find yourself a Dr that cares about you instead of money.
Missy
For all things fashion:
http://thefashionfusion.blogspot.com
Yummie, pizza!
X, fashionnerdic
she sounds like an ungrateful person. i wouldn't go back to her and don't recommend her. i would be upset too.
enjoy your weekend and treat yourself to something nice.
that sucks SO bad - screw your gold-digging doctor - you take your beautiful, helathy, high credit scoring self and find a lovely doctor who deserves you!
hope the boyfriend, pizza and beer helped cheer you up =p
English Rose x
http://iamanenglishrose.blogspot.com
ugh. bad doctor.
hope you're feeling better, and enjoy some yummy pizza!
xo Niki
OMG that is soooo horrible!!
I would be upset as well but your better off without her
reading that just makes me enraged. that is absolutely effing ridiculous. but unfortunately, i think the first commenter has the best advice. i hope you'll find a new doctor that you're comfortable with and that appreciates you as well.
ps: go treat yourself to see that movie. i saw it for my birthday in 3d imax and adored it.
hope you're feeling better!
I agree- completely ridiculous! I hope you feel better.
aw man :( well if you really want her as a doctor again, i would suggest visiting the offices in person & maybe they can talk it out with you. if not, i'd say find a new doctor that treats you better! haha
Thank you for the lovely comment jennifer <3 It really made my day.
xx
Louise
http://thefwordonline.blogspot.com
don't apoligize. that woman was wrong to do what she did. i still can't believe someone would do something like that.
its just horrible. i'm so sorry that happened to you.
I want to watch a xmas carol! I loved the book.
oh girl. i'm sorry to hear about that. But people showcase their real character in times like this, you see? You're not hurt because she dumped you. You're hurt because you trusted her. Anyway, go find another doctor. And next time, don't trust people too much. Always go for a second opinion.
I hope you're safe from this cancer scare. Take care.
SUCH A PAIN~ Gosh, I'm sorry. That's absolutely awful. Enjoy your fun night ahead!
http://candyflosspersie.blogspot.com/
That is CRAZY!!!! I am so sorry, that is just completely illogical. I ADORE your list of things to cheer you up - pizza & beer, what could be better! haha
xoxoxo
Rachel
I'm really sorry. That's terrible.
I hope besides that everything else is going well. Take care.
Sorry to hear this, your doctor sounds mean. :(
im so sorry that stinks :(
enjoy your boyfriend/movie/pizza! sounds like you need a little break!
-zarna
http://zarnasrunway.blogspot.com
WOW my Mom's OBGYN dumped her after she had her hysterectomy mostly because she wasn't of childbearing age so she couldn't make them money...it wasn't said like that but it was true and she's been going there since she was like 18!!! I'm so sorry that happened. I hate finding new docs too
I say you write her a letter. She must know how you feel. Your letter might put a stop to this behavior and prevent other patients from going through what you are going through.
Buenos deseos,
Aquiles
I'm so sorry!!! You definitely do not deserve that! I agree with some people saying that this doctor isn't worth your time, but if it someone you felt that comfortable with maybe you should try speaking directly too her about it, because maybe letting go of you as a patient was out of her control and you could fix it somehow? I don't know much about these things but good luck!! :)
xo, C.
http://owl-wings.blogspot.com
As a British citizen and a supporter of the national health service system we have over here, I could wax lyrical about how wrong I think this is, but I'm not sure of your political views and I don't want to upset you, so I'll just say: she sucks.
http://dreamingspiresandoldcartyres.blogspot.com
Aww that's too bad! She should have asked you to pay your bill like a week after that, not months after that and then dumped you! That's just not right :( Well I think you should go find another doctor who's better than her. And you will be okay! Just try to remember nice things, I agreed. And forget this stuff. Just think of anything else. Blogging? Nice idea. Haha. Hope you have a nice day dear! xoxoox.
Oh I would be completely angry as well! I would write a letter adressed to the doctor that says most of what you said in this post. It would make me feel better to do that-and then close this little chapter and walk away...
u deserve better... u can and will find a much much better doctor.
ugh.. evil people
gorgeous as always darling
love it, great inspiration
thanks for sharing
and thanks for the sweet comments
-cma
check out my blog @
cosmicaroline.blogspot.com
That is horrible. Jen, this is stinking ridiculous. Seriuously? Seriously??? Argh...I'm so mad!
I do want her to straigthen this out but at the same time I'd much rather see you with a Dr. who actually cares about his/her patients. Seriously, you deserve better. People like that should not get into healthcare - clearly they could care less about someone's wellbeing.
Take care you!
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