Don't Let Your Doctors Waste Medicare Dollars
by Linda
(Nevada)
When it comes to the subject of Medicare, we have all heard or read about waste in the Medicare system. I think I have now experienced this subject on a personal level. I will now do my part to not waste money through Medicare. I think it is the responsibility of everyone on Medicare to do their part in preventing waste of money in the Medicare system. I am doing it, not just for myself, but for my daughter for her future medical needs.
Until I reached my early fifties, I never really had a need to see a doctor on a regular basis so I really didn't pay much attention to healthcare issues.
I recently changed my primary care doctor because I was unhappy with the way she practiced medicine. My new primary care doctor has shuffled me off to specialists even though I have no serious health concerns.
When I went on an appointment to one of these specialists, he asked me why I was there and when I told him I wasn't sure myself, he said he was surprised that my primary care doctor didn't handle my hypothyroidism herself because most primary care doctors are capable of treating this disorder.
Another specialist I was referred to also expressed his surprise that I was referred to him because he found nothing to be concerned about from my blood work. Even though he found nothing to treat me for, he still scheduled me for another appointment in three weeks. I canceled the appointment.
Still another specialist I went to took ten minutes with me, found nothing wrong but said I needed to go back to see him in three weeks. I also canceled that appointment.
The point I am trying to make is that we should all remember that we should use our common sense and intuition when it concerns our health. I, personally, don't believe in giving up all my power to my doctor if I think he or she is being wasteful or incompetent. It is ultimately my body and my say when it comes to my healthcare.
If for no other reason, be vigilant about wasteful doctors because they will contribute to the cost of higher Medicare premiums.
