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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phil on August 30, 2009, at 13:37:28
F*ck*ng *ssh*l*. grrrrrrrrrrr.
I'm too pissed to write about this right now.
Posted by floatingbridge on August 30, 2009, at 13:52:56
In reply to the best shrink? a dead shrink., posted by Phil on August 30, 2009, at 13:37:28
Phil, I've had shrinks that s*ck, seem inhuman, unempathetic, disinterested, that disliked me, that didn't listen and tried to give me all kinds of meds. I'm so sorry you do not like (is that understatement or what) your shrink.
I finally found one I really like and trust--I think it helps that he also practices therapy (which I need!). He's a keeper.
in sympathy w/ your frustration and anger,
fb
Posted by Phil on August 30, 2009, at 13:58:58
In reply to the best shrink? a dead shrink., posted by Phil on August 30, 2009, at 13:37:28
My docs fluctuating cancellation policy charges.
I opened the envelope and went WHAT? Plus two $10.00 charges for phone calls.
I'll be fine. Just another way of keeping us down.
Posted by floatingbridge on August 30, 2009, at 14:05:39
In reply to BREATHE....OK NOW, posted by Phil on August 30, 2009, at 13:58:58
Oh, that irritant. Is the cancellation charge less than the fee session? Had a marital counselor recently (whom I jettisoned) that charged me for the entire session the first time I was unable to make it because my babysitter backed out. I was p*ssed.
Breathing is good. So is venting : )
fb
Posted by Phil on August 30, 2009, at 14:21:07
In reply to Re: BREATHE....OK NOW » Phil, posted by floatingbridge on August 30, 2009, at 14:05:39
I pay a $30.00 copay and never had missed appts..ever. He prints this new policy which I glanced at.
You had to cancel 48 hours ahead. I had an appt on a Monday but had my first car wreck ever Sat. night. I HAD NO CAR FOR HIM OR WORK on Monday...$70.00.
This appt I don't remember...$125.00.
What next, $250.00?
My brother calmed me down. He said an oncologist charged him $25.00 for a note that he would be out that day.
Posted by Maxime on August 30, 2009, at 14:59:20
In reply to BREATHE....OK NOW, posted by Phil on August 30, 2009, at 13:58:58
I can't believe that he charges you for phone calls. That doesn't seem right. Cancellation charges I can understand, but not charges for phone calls.
Posted by floatingbridge on August 30, 2009, at 15:20:23
In reply to Re: BREATHE....OK NOW » Phil, posted by Maxime on August 30, 2009, at 14:59:20
Oh, I missed that detail. Phone calls? jeez....
Posted by Phil on August 30, 2009, at 15:31:52
In reply to Re: BREATHE....OK NOW » Maxime, posted by floatingbridge on August 30, 2009, at 15:20:23
I had a GP charge me $6.00 for a phone call 25 years ago in San Antonio.
I thought it was a joke.
I didn't even know about my pdocs $10.00 deal and again, never called him.
But with a lot of craziness going on, I made necessary phone calls where the validity wasn't questioned.
I needed help right now. He knew it. cha-ching.
Posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on August 30, 2009, at 18:03:55
In reply to Re: BREATHE....OK NOW, posted by Phil on August 30, 2009, at 15:31:52
Hey Phil:
I am so sorry you are having such a bad and rough time. Doctors can be so insensitive, but...they got us by the short and curly's. Doesn't make it any easier, I know. You are in my prayers, bud. Take *good* care...
Jay
Posted by floatingbridge on August 30, 2009, at 19:36:25
In reply to Re: BREATHE....OK NOW » Phil, posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on August 30, 2009, at 18:03:55
> Hey Phil:
>
> I am so sorry you are having such a bad and rough time. Doctors can be so insensitive, but...they got us by the short and curly's. Doesn't make it any easier, I know. You are in my prayers, bud. Take *good* care...
>
> Jay
Jay, I think you hit the nail on the head. Good docs are few and far between (imho).fb
Posted by Phil on August 30, 2009, at 20:50:24
In reply to Re: BREATHE....OK NOW » Phil, posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on August 30, 2009, at 18:03:55
I'm just pissed off Jay. Life ain't that bad, I just dislike rude surprises in the mail.
Posted by yxibow on August 31, 2009, at 2:54:19
In reply to Re: BREATHE....OK NOW » Jay_Bravest_Face, posted by Phil on August 30, 2009, at 20:50:24
I'm sorry you have had this experience.
It is common practice to charge for missed appointments but I can understand the outrage at extenuating circumstances.
Psychiatrists and psychologists do bill for phone time sometimes, especially if they believe that urgent calls become non-urgent, because it does displace other patients, or they may have larger fees if they are out of the country
Phone sessions are another way of having a session if one can't make it in to the office and however payment one is using it generally is charged at the session price.
Its usually not used extensively because a face to face session is much better for observation.
-tidings
Posted by Phillipa on August 31, 2009, at 11:09:10
In reply to Re: BREATHE....OK NOW, posted by yxibow on August 31, 2009, at 2:54:19
Since mine is six hour away she also charges for phone calls but the worst is charges l0cents for e-mails. She's also still out six month from her own car wreck. Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on August 31, 2009, at 12:40:41
In reply to Re: BREATHE....OK NOW » yxibow, posted by Phillipa on August 31, 2009, at 11:09:10
10 cents per e-mail? That's a new one to me! Unless you e-mail a lot, I don't see what is the point. Takes more effort to tally dimes, I would think.
This is an interesting thread.
fb
Posted by Maxime on August 31, 2009, at 13:00:13
In reply to Re: BREATHE....OK NOW » yxibow, posted by Phillipa on August 31, 2009, at 11:09:10
I'm lucky I don't get charged for anything stupid like emails and phone calls. When I was living in another Province and couldn't find a pdoc I would call him up for help and advice and email him once a week.
Posted by Phillipa on August 31, 2009, at 19:58:14
In reply to Re: BREATHE....OK NOW » Phillipa, posted by Maxime on August 31, 2009, at 13:00:13
Maxie yes very lucky. When found out the policy I had called once and charged for it. Needless to say didn't call anymore and when I asked about e-mail that's when she said it so never did. Yes very stupid. Couldn't agree more. When you need someone you need someone. Phillipa
Posted by antigua3 on August 31, 2009, at 21:36:32
In reply to Re: BREATHE....OK NOW » floatingbridge, posted by Phil on August 30, 2009, at 14:21:07
yep, $250. that's what I pay, and my lovely insurance company reimbures me, yes, ready for the drum roll, $45/visit. Isn't that lovely? He doesn't charge for phone calls though. At that rate, he shouldn't!!! And I'm getting a reduced rate because he was kind enough (snort) not to raise my fees this year, as he did with his other patients.
antigua
Posted by yxibow on August 31, 2009, at 22:54:19
In reply to Re: BREATHE....OK NOW » Phil, posted by antigua3 on August 31, 2009, at 21:36:32
I haven't heard of charging for emails. Without going into specifics, I have emailed therapists who are "email savvy", as is becoming increasingly common with iphones and blackberries are prolific.
But without a really specific question or emergency, they're usually read and then discussed in the office because, and I can understand, things can be completely misconstrued over email and a therapist would rather have a back and forth conversation about what was said and not have the patient upset over a misread.
If anything, it is a reminder, a diary of sorts you could say, of what to talk in the office the next time. One could even imagine that they are talking directly to the therapist and they even understand it, even if you don't get a reply. I know that sounds counter intuitive, but it might help to "bear one's chest".
-- Jay
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