Doctor's decision reflects discontent within profession

[wdlove]

This could end up being a very interesting new trend.

"When Christine Monroe, 70, visits Dr. Alan Altman for her yearly gynecological exam, her HMO covers the bill -- except for a small copayment. But this month, at Altman's Brookline office, he delivered bad news: After 28 years as a physician, he was no longer going to do business with insurance companies, and Monroe and his other patients would be responsible for their own bills. He handed Monroe a letter and a price list -- $165 for an annual exam -- and said that as of July 1 he would accept only cash, Visa, and MasterCard. Patients will have to pay on the spot for his services."

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/01/30/rejecting_health_insurers/

 

[Stelliform]

Good for him! I don't think he will be too busy, but after 28 years as a doctor he probably planned on retiring anyway.

But this just goes to show you how messed up insurance companies and lawsuits have gotten.

 

[topicolo]

Yeah, maybe now he won't have to work 15hour days. smart move.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

Look beyond the specifics 970 yo doctor and 28 year relationship); and this signals the decline of healthcare in the US.

We need major reform and NOW!

 

[wdlove]

Originally posted by Stelliform
Good for him! I don't think he will be too busy, but after 28 years as a doctor he probably planned on retiring anyway.

But this just goes to show you how messed up insurance companies and lawsuits have gotten.

He is 55 years old, there is no indication that he is thinking about retiring. Part of the reason that he is doing this is that half of his income is coming from speaking fees and book roylaities.

20 years ago which is prior to managed care, everyone paid for physician visits and medications. Insurance was for hospital visits. The doctor charged an affordable fee, $20 for an office visit. I think that the $165 figure is extravagant. Profit is not a dirty, but a cost needs to be within reason.