I AM TAKING this opportunity to echo the sentiments of the writer of last week’s article Sick Of Doctor Tricking Patients. Her account sounds very similar to two previous visits to my then doctor.
About three years ago I went to my doctor for a routine pap test, which was at the time overdue, and paid to have the test done.
A few weeks after having the test, I received a call from his office requesting that I come in to meet with him. He advised that my test showed “abnormal cells”, explained why and recommended treatment. Just to meet with him I was charged a consultation fee.
I made subsequent appointments to have the colposcopy and cryotherapy, or “freezing” method which was supposed to cure/treat the condition. This was at a cost of over $600.
During this precautionary treatment period I was very concerned about the possibility that I might have cervical cancer.
This was constantly on my mind and I prayed continually that it was not as serious as I was thinking it could be. The prospect of having cancer was very real to me.
One year after that, I made my annual visit to have my pap test with the same doctor. To my surprise when I got the call a few weeks later to come in to meet with him, I was once again told my test came back with “abnormal cells” present.
I immediately sought a second opinion from another doctor who, after only a week and a half, called me personally to confirm my test came back “normal”.
I had now paid for two tests and a consultation fee with the “scamming” doctor at this point.
Like the writer said, overall I paid in excess of $900. Thank God for health insurance!
I had my annual pap test last December with the second doctor, and again my test revealed “normal” results.
My girlfriend also had a similar experience with the first “scamming” doctor, and also went through the full array of tests, consultations and precautionary treatments.
And she was told on her return visit after the treatment that her results could not be found and she would have to get the test redone – not at the doctor’s cost but hers. This is on top of being charged a consultation fee just to be told the above.
First, I would advise women out there to get their pap tests done annually and on time. The trauma I went through during those weeks of tests and treatment was enough to keep me motivated each December to have my pap test done.
Secondly, I would advise women not to be scared to get a second opinion. I am very sorry it took that doctor and his “scamming” practice for me to do so. I am convinced it is a scam and I will never go back to him.
