Top Doctors 2009

I have been a patient of Minor and James for several years -11.5. I have watched the quality of care decline for the last two years. It's gone from a progressive cutting edge provider, offering the highest in health technology, providing doctor accessibility, education and real time response. Now it's non- responsive, cumbersome, fragmented, and generally a disappointment. Example, I have insurance, however, every time I go to the doctor the charge is approximately $274. After my insurance pays a portion, I still have co- payment and a sizable residual balance. $274 is a for quick 15 minute appointment. Recently, I went to the doctor to get the blood work results. I said I have four questions regarding my blood work, however, the doctor said, “ you will need to make another appointment to talk about the other results – I can only talk to you about one issue per appointment” If that is true, it will take me four appointments to get the results I seek. The doctor spoke to my thyroid issue and changed the medication. She again said the other results would have to be addressed in another appointment with her. I then called the “specialist” to confirm that the internist that changed my mediation – did so correctly. I was told by the specialist that I would have to come in for another office visit, if I wanted to know if he agreed with the internist. Now we are at well over $500 for the one question, of thyroid medication. I have palpitations, chest discomfort and still have no level of confidence the doctor that changed my medication did so correctly. The specialist won’t confirm it over the phone. Keep in mind both of the doctors I am referring to – are both from Minor and James Medical. I did pay for the office visit to hear a portion of my Blood work results, now I can’t afford to go to the doctor several time to talk about the same medication. I was actually told by the thyroid specialist office “ you should have come to see us” WELL! When I called the scheduling office- I was told the specialist could not speak to any issues other than the thyroid issue. When I went to the internist – she talked about only the thyroid issue and not the other blood work. I told her I was there for the other blood work interruption, her response “ you will have to make another appointment” Again, as I write this, I have chest pain, and my heart is beating too fast. It's frightening not knowing if I am ok or not. I can only hope I am. The telephone system has declined as well. If I call the Minor and James clinic and ask to speak to a nurse, I am sent through a long indirect automated phone system, only to find myself talking to the scheduling department, and then transferred again- to a voice mail system.