I really hate to say this, but I've got to start over again. Searching for a doctor, this is.
It started when I got my bill from Mayo for Dr. A's appointment. I nearly flipped when I saw the $400 tab. I seriously didn't think that out-of-network costs were that much. I was prepared to pay $100; maybe $200 max. It got worse when I got the bill for M1 and M2… another $400. This all came in the mail around the same time I got my notice for a follow up appointment with M1. I'm going to have to cancel.
I've learned two things recently that will hopefully help with this out-of-control billing. My employer has a health advocate, that, among other things, can help with fee negotiation. Add to that, out of network charges can be applied to my deductible. So, although I'll be in debt to Mayo indefinitely, hopefully the fees won't be so high.
I was really stuck on finding a doctor that was either close to my house, close to my work or somewhere in between that wasn't too grossly out of the way. I remembered this morning that I used to drive about an hour to see Dr. C. Sure, he was pretty much the closest endo to me, but talk about going out of my way! I think my parameters have been slightly extended, to say the least!
I think I was a little awe-struck by Mayo. The fact that it was here and that I could get in so quickly and the whole I-deserve-the-best mentality. Not that other doctors in this area can't be considered the best. So I'm back to creating a list of questions for potential practices. I'd like to be able to interview doctors over the phone before commiting to an appointment. I'm not really sure that will happen, but it's worth a shot. It's better than traipsing around the city endlessly until I find The One.
My experience with Dr. S and at Mayo have definitely given me enough insight into the kind of practice I'm looking for. What questions would you ask a potential new endo?





