- Report: #794445
Complaint Review: Charleston Ear Nose and Throat - Charleston South Carolina
Reported By:
William -
North Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
Submitted:
Updated:
-
Author Not Confirmed
Why?
Charleston Ear Nose and Throat
1849 Savage Road Charleston, 29407 South Carolina, United States of America
Phone:
843-766-7103
Web:
www.charlestonent.com
Categories:
Business Rating:
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Charleston Ear, Nose, and Throat Charleston ENT MONET HUNGRY, DISCRIMINATING, AND RUDE Charleston, South Carolina
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!
3 Updates & Rebuttals
SB
Texas,United States of America
What a load
#2Consumer Comment
Thu, November 03, 2011
Doctors and staff do not have a hand in the billing procedures - the front office does. I just think this report is a load. I know my Dr does not know about my insurance he only sees my Medical Chart.
Diogenes
Averill Park,New York,
USA
Health
#3Consumer Comment
Wed, November 02, 2011
That's right. You don't go there, you go to the county Health Department where you can be seen for FREE.
Flynrider
Phoenix,Arizona,
USA
So, what was the plan?
#4Consumer Comment
Wed, November 02, 2011
Were you expecting to go in there, have batteries of expensive tests run, then leave the doctor hanging? I think it's quite telling that you didn't actually say how you intended to pay for all of those expensive tests. Let me simplify it for you. You are not the first uninsured deadbeat to walk into that doctor's office. They have been left holding the bag for folks who feel entitled to top notch medical treatment on someone elses dime.
When I was uninsured, I appreciated doctors that made an effort to keep me from being bankrupted by medical bills.
You get the kind of medical treatment you (or your insurance company) can afford. If you're not insured, don't expect independent doctors to foot your bill. Do what everyone else does and visit the emergency room at your local public hospital. That way your bills can be spread amongst all of the taxpayers, rather than dumping them on a single doctor. It's a stupid system for delivering medical care, but it's the one that exists.
