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bobby
Lv 6
bobby asked in Pregnancy & ParentingPregnancy · 1 decade ago

Question about a doctor's behavior,?

My wife being 10 weeks pregnant began noticing some light spotting, I mean very light. the next morning, it had increased substansually and feeling some cramping. We took her to her OBGYN. Now note, we still owe $240 for recent visits. We are not disputing or trying to hide from paying it. We are paying on it, I guess not as fast as he wants because we live on a tight budget. When I got her to the doctor's office, he refused to see her because we owed the amount and made it clear that he wouldn't until the balance was paid. "that we could go to the emergency room" Being the symptoms my wife is having is signs of a miscarriage, he showed no concern of my wife's condition or for the child she is carrying. We did go the the ER and found out everything is fine. It was just the principle of he refused to see her due the the current circumstances. Im considering writing a complaint to the state medical review board. It felt like the money was more important

Update:

My apologizies, I ment to say in my origional discription, we did get another doctor.

Update 2:

we do have insurance, we have been paying on what is left.

17 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Lord, he's a doctor. Doesn't he make enough money!!! What's $240 when it comes to a baby's life?!?!

    Switch doctors, seriously. Switch! If this is how he is now at 10 weeks, imagine what he'll be like when she's in labor!

    Nothing worse than a bad doctor or nursing staff while you're in labor and postpartum.

    I was blessed with a wonderful medical team, but my friend wasn't so lucky. They were so rude and inconsiderate.

    I would honestly find another doctor. It's still early enough for her to switch. If you keep this greedy moron you're asking for it.

    Man, I would like to think that some doctors go into their line of work to help people, not for money... but uh... you have to wonder with people like this.

  • emily
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    I don't believe they can refuse services based on money owed. Especially not such a paltry amount, the bills add up very quickly that's the point of payments. If her prenatal was not paid by the time she went in to labor would he refuse to be the doctor for delivery?

    It's outrageous behaviour on his part, if have any other options don't go back.

    Most doctors haven't a clue as to the state of bills and payments anyhow they have compnies that do nothing but handle billing, if no payments are made it goes to collections and the doctor is never the wiser.

    Thank heavens it wasn't serious, best wishes to you all, your definately getting the right start by writing a formal complaint, good luck

  • 1 decade ago

    What a ****** of a doctor shows where his concern is like $240.00 is gonna hurt his pocket, find a new doctor then pay him $1 a week till the balance is paid in full. and try to see if your wife will qualify for state assistance for the pregnacy so it wont be a big expense on you guys and this wont be a problem, your a great husband and did a good job taking care of your wife , I would also send a copy of the Hyprocratic Oath with each $1 dollar payment to the scuuum bagg

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    That is ridiculous! Get a different doctor. I had a misunderstanding with my insurance company and when I went in for my routine OB appt., it showed my balance was $306, but they went ahead and let me have my check-up. They said I could pay it later, or call the insurance to see what was up... If it is an emergency, the money shouldn't matter right then.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I would, that is BS I would of been pissed, as long as you are paying on a bill he should have NO reason to not see you. Even so he is still her doctor reguardless and people's health should of come first! But that is just my personal opinion it isn't based on any law which I don't know if thats legal for him to even turn her away...it might be, but I would defidently look into getting a new doctor the last thing you want is for your wife to be in labor and have some moron doctor refuse to deliver it because you still owe $100 bucks. Good Luck!

  • 1 decade ago

    Unfortuately a private practice has the right to turn away patients due to the inability to pay, but a hospital doesnt. Seriously, I would get a different doctor though. I wouldn't want someone who doesnt truly care about me or my child responsible for our lives!! Also, you can find a Dr. that would be willing to set up a payment plan that would suit your budget. Good Luck!!

    Source(s): mother of 13 month old daughter and trying for baby #2
  • 1 decade ago

    Stop considering...sit down and write the letter! What he did is digusting and he should be brought up for review!! Especially for sending you to the ER?!! Like they aren't crowded enough and understaffed and overpriced?! What you will pay for your ER visit he could have charged you 1/2 that?!! He is dispicable and you need a new OB PRONTO!!

    My ins covers my entire prenatal/delivery/postnatal care at 90%...my out of pocket costs are a total of $250 and we have until my 9th month of pregnancy to pay it!! I am waiting to pay until the new year so I can use my medical reimbursement to get that money back...but never once has my OB refused me care because of it!! I am outraged and appauld for you!!

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I don't know exactly where you live or how the doctors are in the area but in Wisconsin hospitals cannot refuse to give you service. Whether you have insurance or not it is illegal for them to refuse treatment. Look into the state policies and go from there.

  • 1 decade ago

    It might not feel fair, but doctors do have the right to refuse service for non-payment. A doctor in a clinic is not obligated by law to treat you. A hospital MUST treat you if there is an emergency despite your ability to pay or lack thereof, it is a violation of EMTALA laws to not provide emergency care.

    If you're of low to moderate income and have no medical insurance, apply for maternal medical assistance. Almost all women are eligible for this during pregnancy if they have no insurance. Once you're approved for it, they will back-pay for all pregnancy related visits for the last 3 months - just call your clinic and tell them you've applied for medical assistance and they should hold your bill until you've been approved and will more than likely see you.

    Good luck.

    Source(s): RN, OB
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    If I were you I would switch doctors as soon as possible, obviously this office is only concerned about money, Dont do them the favor and keep handing them money, go to someone who cares a little more about you, your wife and the safety of your baby.

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