Healthcare Controlling us ‘by the Numbers’
Whether you have a healthcare background or not, we all feel victimized ‘by the system’ in some way, shape or form…
You try to do your research. You are oftentimes forced to use portals for most communications, as a real person conversation is scarce.
An average wait for even a fairly serious ailment can be up to three months.
Walk-in Urgent Care Centers are overburdened, just as Emergency Rooms.
Emergency rooms have become the substitute for primary care physicians which only bogs down the entire system.
Many of the working poor and what used to be called the middle class have lost their health insurance. They are barely able to ‘keep afloat’ and often have to make heart wrenching choices where to spend what little funds they have left.
Those of us who are healthy for our age and fortunate to have good health insurance want to follow the rules and navigate our way through are confronted with so many alienating situations, that it takes extraordinary resilience to even accomplish the simplest tasks!
I make reference to healthcare controlling us by the numbers…
Even in a vibrant, up and coming southeastern city like Charlotte, NC. where 157 new residents arrive daily, craziness abounds if you look below the surface.
I say this as I celebrate my one year anniversary living in the Queen City - a decision I don’t regret, despite its problems.
Consider these recent scenarios that all happened when I was just trying to do the right thing in maintaining good healthcare-
In May I was referred to a dermatologist. The computer software accidently scheduled my appointment for Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th.
Despite my requests for a follow up appointment closer to that date, I was forced to wait several weeks; A computer doesn’t care about holidays or convenience!
I recently went to the dermatologist. Upon arrival to the exam room, the nurse stood at her computer and told me she had 3 minutes to document the reason for the visit.
When the doctor appeared, she said she had 15 min and proceeded to tell me that current research doesn’t indicate someone with psoriasis needs to be gluten free. What?? I was shocked after ~16 years of this being a BIG part of my life- time consuming, worrisome, expensive, constant vigilance when ordering, grocery shopping.
As I tried to relate my history with the former MD who recommended it, the doctor labelled me as ‘a talker’ to the nurse.
I wanted assurance and assistance in how to approach this major change instead of her rudeness.
I wasn’t sure if I could believe her. I researched and am still a bit skeptical. I was recommended to follow the Mediterranean diet. (which I pretty much do already.)
I have since been making other arrangements to determine, if it is true, how to wean myself from this huge change. She didn’t have the time or the need to care. She is a high volume doctor.
My healthcare insurance company reminded me that I was due for a yearly wellness physical, paid for by Medicare. Fine…
However, I was informed before entering the exam room to see my PCP, that I needed to fill out a wellness form. Fine…..
BUT, I was instructed not to ask any questions not pertaining to the physical…or else they would have to double, separate bill me! What??
In the old days, you could ask your physician anything.
Not only is there no time for anything, but billing is a nightmare!
My final anecdote- I was referred for a routine radiology screening to a vendor near my home.
When I called the Radiology company, (twice) the virtual recording stated, “You are 47th and 49th in the cue for a person to respond! What?? Never had I gotten such a message!
I guess if I wanted to hang on until Labor Day, I might get waited on!
I then tried the option to try to schedule an appointment online.
After filling out multiple questions, the system would not process my request.
I called black the medical provider and was transferred to 4 staff before I was assured I had an appointment with a promise that they would call me back… No call, just a message in the portal.
That took about 90 minutes of my time!
The moral of this story is-
When you are short staffed in 2026, big conglomerates save money by making everything as virtual, or digital as possible, almost guaranteeing no customer service and no satisfaction! Where is the human connection?
Profits - It’s a numbers game too!
Good luck, you will need it!
If you’d like to read other blogs, I suggest -
1) https://donnagore.com/blog/giving-a-voice-amp-transportation-to-long-term-care-residents;
2) https://donnagore.com/blog/some-basics-long-term-care-ombudspersons-leading-the-way-for-seniors
Please give me feedback so that I know you have
Thanks,
Donna