Monday, December 16, 2013

Doctors against Obamacare

Last month, we were informed by the chicks' pediatric specialist that he and his wife would not accept Obamacare or Medicaid. The practice they left would continue to accept both. We had a decision to make. The false security of a medical practice that accepted all "normal" means of payment, or go with the doctor who diagnosed gluten and casein allergies, righted their diets, reduced their meds and built a rapport with them? I sat down with Dr. H and he went over the fees and payment options. He explained that, since they no longer took Medicaid or insurance, they no longer needed 5 employees to handle the paperwork. Their overhead was cut by 62%. They are also practicing out of their home office. Again, overhead cut. They still have admitting privileges at all three hospitals, still have a working relationship with the two top labs, and still work with all pharmacies. The only changes would be handling the insurance claims with the hospitals and labs directly.

I told him I understood his decision about insurance, but questioned the decision to drop Medicaid. He said it wasn't a decision. Under Obamacare, the requirements placed on physicians treating Medicaid patients had become Draconian. Dr. H's family escaped from East Germany in the 40's; he knows Draconian. He was not comfortable with the level of intrusiveness in his patients' lives, and knew the quality of care he could give them would suffer. Understand, a large percentage of his patients had either CHIPS or Medicaid because of the nature of insurance and Autism. He's working with these families on a sliding fee scale and payment plans. He is that dedicated. He jokingly/seriously said he'd accept chickens if it came to it. He also told me they weren't the only ones to make this move; and after the second wave of destruction hits with the employer mandates, he expects even more.

Needless to say, we're staying with Dr. H.

9 comments:

RabidAlien said...

Yeah, Dr. H sounds like a keeper.

Keads said...

Well done. My Doctor is an avid shooter. Went to him when I got a bullet fragment in the face a couple of years ago during a match (I was a RSO). He immediately sent me for an MRI to see if it was still there, and what other damage it may have caused. It actually cracked my cheekbone! The Marine Lance Corporal present (Toys for Tots event) commented "Meh, a butterfly bandage and you will be ok was not that comforting!"

I will be interested to see how long he continues to play the game or do as your Doctor is doing.

Jason said...

They sound like decent folks. And damn fine patriots.

jesse in dc said...

Hope their stance convinces some of their brethern, and so on... Maybe some free market doctoring will break out. And if it does, and we leave "insurance" behind, like it once was, the whole corrupt O "care" will fall like the cheap house of cards trick it is...

Volfram said...

I predict this will start getting a LOT more common. I paid my last 3 medical visits(eye, dental... dental again, I think) in cash.

There's actually a start-up here in Colorado Springs that makes house-calls again. Or he'll meet you at Starbucks, if that's your thing. Pretty sure he's even got an office, if you'd prefer that. He won't take ANY insurance, though. Cash or nothing.

In many ways, I think that's for the best.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately Angel, when the doctor shortage gets to the crisis stage then the government will use force to MAKE the doctors accept patents. Remember doctors have to be licensed by the state and if the state needs more doctors..."Nice license you got there doc. Be a shame if anything happened to it." It's the Chicago way.

idahobob said...

Good for him and good for you.

Fuck Obama!

Bob
III

hiswiserangel said...

Light29ID, we did discuss that possibility. That's when I found out about their flight from E. Germany. If it gets to that point, we'll be in the 2nd American Revolution.

Blue said...

Good choice, Angel. Proud of you!