Complaint Review: Charleston Ear Nose and Throat

I visited the Charleston ENT location in West Ashley of Charleston, SC and was seen by Dr. Thomas S. Dozier. From the time I was taken back to a room the main focus of my visit was money.  The nurse started by noticing I had no insurance and was self pay and she acted shocked and immediately stopped performing a procedure in order to consult with the doctor because of the price of the procedure.  That procedure was never completed.  Then the doctor came in and continued to reference how I would be able to pay for any services.  He stated that there were several options for further testing but they were all expensive and didn't think I would be able to afford them unless I was "inherently wealthy". The only thing the doctor did was look at me and I left with a guessed diagnosis and a sample that may or may not work.  I did receive the comforting advice that if the sample did work for me I could call the office and they would call in "the cheapest generic" for me.  Overall I felt discriminated against because of not having insurance.  I thought the front desk concerned themselves with the financial side of the practice and the doctor was ethically bound to give the best possible service to the patient.  This waste of time cost me $180.00.  I left sad, irritated, and with less faith in the medical community.  The nurse and doctor both tried to make it seem like they were only concerned for what I could afford (as if they were doing me a favor).  However, it was plain as could be that they were only worried about collecting every penny they could from an insurance company.  It's so crazy to be sitting there surrounded by all of this high tech equipment and all I am given is a look over and a guessed diagnosis.  I should have known when I called to make the appointment and the girl on the phone sounded almost as if I was disrupting her by calling there.  And, to top it off...I come home and look up some of the things the nurse and doctor mentioned while looking me over and learn that there is a possibility that this could be a more serious problem than they indicated.  I don't have the money to waste like this and need adequate health care.  I was willing to pay on any balance owed but I guess that wasn't good enough for this practice.  They seem to like their money fast and easy.  If your looking for ear, nose, and throat help do not go here!