Pretend this is not my blog, but my political column okay.

So, I think anyone who knows me, knows that I don’t like to do things just beause that’s what people do…especially when I feel like it is not necessary but the person telling me has already decided it is. I am beyond frustrated right now. I have to know why a doc is doing a test and if there is not a good reason, I generally won’t do it. I understand docs standardize things a lot and just do the same tests for everyone because it is easier, I understand that I promise, but I just don’t want to be looked at funny when I object or ask questions. I get very nervous when discussing objectionable issues with docs because they are confident they know best and sometimes don’t get where I am coming from. Anyway, I am just so frustrated right now because I am sick of being told, “well you have insurance don’t you” Yes, I have insurance, why does that mean I should do test that aren’t necessary. Have you seen the cost of insurance? Are you begging for them to up my premiums or what? So, I have to write down how I feel or it doesn’t go away. Usually I write it down and then just let it be on my computer. It is amazing how it helps. Today, I decided to post it because I feel like I am alone in this and am curious if other people are feeling like they have no control either. Anyway, sometimes I seem cynical, but I really do appreciate all of the advances in medicine and the amazing work of many doctors. I’m sure if anything goes wrong with me, I will become even more grateful, but right now, I am feeling like the world of obstetrics and peds has gotten a little out of hand with how many “routine” things they do that are completely unnecessary and don’t even think about the cost to me. OH, and here are a few things I am trying to get up the guts to say to the docs I have seen lately.
1. Now be honest here, do you really think you are worth $177 for that 15 minutes I talked to you after the ultrasound. Cause, I am just not feeling it….especially since you said “I don’t really know what to tell a girl in your case.” Be honest now, I won’t tell your next patient, I just want to know.
2. Actually, I really don’t want to drink that mini orange soda for breakfast before I come. Especially since I am not concerned that I have gestational diabetes and you have no labs to even kind of indicate that I may have it. In fact, that test is only supposed to be done if you do have a concern, so why do you make us all do it every time? Why?
3. Um, I think I am gonna pass on the second ultrasound with the second specialist because the first ultrasound told me I had a healthy baby and the first specialist said she didn’t really know what I should do and I could make the decision…Okay, I guess I will do it if he is a specialist on my particular issue and speaks all around the country…..oh, you think the same as the first specialist which is what I thought from the beginning and felt just fine with….okay, thanks for that 15 minutes.
4. Um, just wondering, how much did I just pay you to measure my tummy and weigh me? Can I get a discount if I do that myself and just skip the next appt?
5. Are you charging me for all of these handouts you are giving me, cuz I would be happy to print these off my own computer and actually talk to you instead.

Well, alrighty, I feel better and I am going to go about my day as if I hadn’t talked to the insurance company today and am going to have a wonderful evening with my hubby and baby and not think about it again. Oh, and anonymous, please don’t comment on my blog explaining why things are the way they are…I know, just had to vent.