I started seeing a new psychiatrist. I met with him once and he told me he needed all records before prescribing anything to me. I got my records faxed and he said he needed to see me again. $325 for first visit and who knows for today. He knew I lost my job and ins is ending soon. He's saying I have a personality disorder based on my calling his office too many times. I went in today and he still wouldn't give me anything. Said patient's financial situation doesn't matter to him. I'm very disappointed and I haev left crying both times. Do I have to pay? I haven't yet. Can I refuse to pay?
2007-07-16 10:26:12 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
This guy is a MD. I see a counselor seperately.
2007-07-16 10:41:18 · update #1
You do have to pay or he can turn you into collections. He provoded you with a service. Even though you feel he wasn't helpful or the match for you, you still have to pay him for the time he took. Though it doesn't sound like he has met with you enough to diagnose you with a disorder. If you are looking to get on anti depressants because you feel depressed, you can do that with your regular doctor, it would be much cheaper and tell him how you are feeling. Psycologists cant perscribe anything, only a psyciatrist, so maybe the guy was not a doctor who can perscribe anything. If you are going through something, its normal to feel emotional when you leave, but you need to understand that they are there to listen to you and help you get to the bottom of why you feel the way you do. They are listeners and teachers in a sence and can't do miracles. It really is you and they help you how to deal with things that trouble you. Be patient, and try to get insurance or find a clinic that provides cheaper counseling. You should ask what a doctors rates are so you know what you are in for and also call around.
2007-07-16 10:38:59 · answer #1 · answered by Maalru3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do owe him the money, but you don't have to pay it all at once or anything, just send $10 or $20 a month, and if you don't feel that he is likely to help you with your problem, look for another doc when you get another job. Keep in mind that most psychiatrists these days don't do much in the way of psychoanalysis, they just try to figure out which cocktail of meds to use on you. If you think you just need to talk things out, and don't have a friend or family member you can trust, see if a local psychologist would be willing to see you. They'd likely charge much less. Also, make certain those two claims are submitted to insurance already. If you lost your job before going to him, the insurance may already have cancelled. Good luck.
2007-07-16 17:36:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, a psychiatrist is providing a service, and you have entered into contract with him for that service. Just because he is doctor that does not make him any different than an auto mechanic. He is not providing a civil service he is running a business. Think of it like this, you pay money to go to a gym or wash your car to maintain your body and your car. You go see a psychiatrist because you are trying to maintain your mind. He is running a business and he will go after you and he will win. Pay him and move on to a psychiatrist that you can afford. Your job should have resources for you.
2007-07-16 17:32:18 · answer #3 · answered by jovan kambell 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Has he treated you? If so you owe the money. But, you would think he would give you break. $325 for an initial visit is too much. I am a lawyer and I do not charge for initial consultations.
2007-07-16 18:00:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you knew (were informed, or had other reason to know) what the costs were going to before visiting him, then yes, you must pay.
If you didn't, and he didn't discuss fees (and didn't have a fee schedule posted), then you can say that you never agreed to pay that fee, and use that as a defense if he sues you.
2007-07-16 18:43:46 · answer #5 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to do anything. He'll likely turn it over to a collection agency though. He won't bother to sue over a few hundred bucks when he's making over three hundred clams an hour. But it sounds like you need a new psychiatrist to me.
2007-07-16 17:33:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You can refuse to do anything you want to.It might get reported to the credit people though.The doc. sounds like a money grubbing quack anyway.
2007-07-16 17:34:07 · answer #7 · answered by WEASEL LIBERALS 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you use a doctors services, you are required to pay for that use.
2007-07-16 18:05:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would file a report with the American Med. Assoc. about him. Find a new Dr. He is a thief.
2007-07-16 17:34:55 · answer #9 · answered by notyou311 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋