(Female stuff) Gyno Doc Pushing Cosmetic Therapy?

[6miths]

Definitely not good. I think that you have every right to be unhappy. Sadly, as MDs perceived or actual incomes decrease one can expect increasing attempts to bring in extra money. Certainly undermines trust in the profession and is possibly a breach of fiduciary duty.

 

[Bamaman]

He's not just a physician, but also a commission salesman for a plastic surgery group.

What a guy?

My sister wasn't aging well, and she got that turkey neck fixed. Now, she's aging appropriately for a 68 year old.

 

[ls99]

Seems this is nothing new. Ten years ago had to see an ENT for blocked euastachian tube. She recommended an eye lift! Doh. I passed.

 

[HFWR]

The vets are already doing that. So are auto dealer service departments.

Gives a whole new meaning to "Check your oil, m'am?"

 

[HFWR]

I share your indignation! That is ridiculous. If my GYN had suggested something like that, I'd have laughed at him. As if I'd pay for something like that.

My answer would have been something beginning with the F word...

And do not get me started on my opinion on hoo-haw cosmetic surgery!!!

"As you'll note in the brochure, we have the 'bug's ear', the 'delicate flower', the 'happy hoo-hoo', and, our newest addition, the 'man muncher'..."

 

[Sarah in SC]

"As you'll note in the brochure, we have the 'bug's ear', the 'delicate flower', the 'happy hoo-hoo', and, our newest addition, the 'man muncher'..."

And here we drop down to the lowest common denominator... thanks, HFWR, knew I could count on you! Those names...

 

[GravitySucks]

I'd look for a new doctor.

I left a chiropractor once when I saw he had a brochure stating he could alleviate diabetes with chiropractic treatments.

 

[rgarling]

Medicine is big business. Before you know it, physicians will be advertising for patients on TV!

oh, wait ...

 

[HFWR]

And here we drop down to the lowest common denominator... thanks, HFWR, knew I could count on you! Those names...

Hey, Robin Williams had an entire routine dedicated to "Mr. Happy"!

And I could have gone lower...

 

[Amethyst]

Thanks, we have been having a really rough time with the snow (still trapped) and I desperately needed a laugh!

Just you wait, your next visit to the Urologist may include a sales pitch for the (Long Dong) "Silver Upgrade"...

My answer would have been something beginning with the F word...

"As you'll note in the brochure, we have the 'bug's ear', the 'delicate flower', the 'happy hoo-hoo', and, our newest addition, the 'man muncher'..."

 

[HFWR]

Thanks, we have been having a really rough time with the snow (still trapped) and I desperately needed a laugh!

Just you wait, your next visit to the Urologist may include a sales pitch for the (Long Dong) "Silver Upgrade"...

Uh, I don't need that...

I hate my urologist. All he does is poke fun at me...

 

[Sue J]

Last year I got a robocall from my gynecologists office to tell me about her new "Revitalize" medical group focusing on hormone and wellness issues. The focus is on hormone replacement and supplements. I don't know how she has time for a new practice, she already has 2 OB/GYN offices.

I got through menopause just fine without any hormone treatment so I was surprised by the call. The last time I went in for my yearly visit I saw the Revitalize office in her building.

She never mentioned anything about it when I had my visit. At least in this case it's a medical issue she's addressing.

 

[travelover]

The vets are already doing that. .

Seriously? Doggie face lifts? My greyhound has developed a little turkey neck....hmmm

 

[Amethyst]

Grayhound? Are you sure it wasn't a Shar Pei before its "treatments"?

Seriously? Doggie face lifts? My greyhound has developed a little turkey neck....hmmm

 

[Moemg]

I must admit that my neck is getting a little saggy so if my GYN recommened a lift I would probably leave the office but have a plastic surgeon on speed dial .

 

[travelover]

Greyhound? Are you sure it wasn't a Shar Pei before its "treatments"?

 

[Katsmeow]

Most of those non-invasive things are either temporary or not really do much at all. If you know it won't last, that is fine. But it can't be compared to something like a true neck lift, for example.

I recently visited a new primary care doctor. On the forms I filled out as a first time patient. there was a brief mention that he offers some cosmetic stuff (I think maybe Botox and stuff like that). The form asked if I was interested in receiving information about what they offer. I thought that was a good way to do it. They let you know that they do that kind of thing and ask if you want to know more. But, if you say no you don't hear anything more about it.

I am by no means against cosmetic surgery or even stuff like Botox. I haven't done any of it yet, but am totally open to doing it. But, I will go to a plastic surgeon for that kind of thing.

 

[EastWest Gal]

Botox has some medical indications. A physician friend of mine with chronic headaches to the point that it made it difficult to work was given Botox by her neurologist and it changed her life.

But I cringe at all the cosmetic procedures being offered by doctors who sign up for a weekend course in order to get some extra cash.

I would look for a new doctor. I would also write a letter to the doctor explaining the loss of trust caused by his behavior. He's probably a nice guy who doesn't realize the chilling effect his approach is having on the doctor patient relationship. A couple of letters from long time patients may make a huge difference.


Sent from my iPhone using Early Retirement Forum

 

[HadEnuff]

If you are happy with the quality of care you receive, why change? You might find another office that does not engage in such poor marketing strategies, but what if you don't feel the level of care for the services you do need aren't as good as what you had prior?

However, I wouldn't be shy about telling the doctor that you are offended by his/her suggestion that you need a cosmetic enhancement. Furthermore I would suggest you let them know exactly how you feel about this approach, and that you strongly considered going elsewhere, but would like to stay in this office because you appreciate the care you receive, but you won't tolerate being "sold" cosmetic procedures.

The value of this IMO is that feedback like this may alter the approach of the office to something more benign, and less offensive, such as has been suggested; brochures in waiting room, or treatment room inviting INTERESTED parties to start the conversation.

You probably already realize this, but the reason these nonessential services are becoming so popular among doctors is that they generally fall outside of the insurance coverage umbrella, and consequently, fees aren't negotiated, or limited by insurance schedules, so they can be a lot more lucrative than essential procedures. Definitely a$$-backward, but that's the way of health care these days.

 

[Newventurer]

My wife's dentist also has a spa and was trying to sell her on getting Botox.

Apparently my dentist thinks I look fine ...or am hopeless (more likely)

 

[6miths]

Apparently my dentist thinks I look fine ...or am hopeless (more likely)

My dentist long ago gave up on me. Now just finishes off with 'Your mouth looks healthy.' and doesn't try to convince me that for a mere 20k I could take it on tour!

 

[Sunset]

I would be very very concerned that this doc may next recommend something else like a medical procedure/test that you don't need. Because it is obvious he is looking to increase his revenue stream.

How bad can it be ?
" Detroit-area doctor who authorities say gave cancer treatment drugs to patients who did not need them -- including some who didn't actually have cancer -- was sentenced Friday to 45 years in prison."
Michigan cancer doctor gets 45 years in prison - CNN.com

 

[Sunset]

Interestingly I read how Doctors can be punished by the American Medical Association in 1 State for all sorts of bad things that an ordinary person would do prison time for. So they go work in another State with a clean slate.

It's very hard to know for small % of patients that look up their doctor on Google.

But this is off topic.

 

[MRG]

I would be very very concerned that this doc may next recommend something else like a medical procedure/test that you don't need. Because it is obvious he is looking to increase his revenue stream.
...snip...

Or be too absorbed in how they pitch an add on service and miss something that I was seeing them for. I paid for those precious 8 minutes, focus on my needs!

I was a victim of an incompetent doc, I now have strict rules based upon that horrible experience that are meant to keep me away from morons with a medical degree. This docs actions cross that line. I'd be gone, if I had a longer term relationship I'd write to explain why.

 

[travelover]

You probably already realize this, but the reason these nonessential services are becoming so popular among doctors is that they generally fall outside of the insurance coverage umbrella, and consequently, fees aren't negotiated, or limited by insurance schedules, so they can be a lot more lucrative than essential procedures. Definitely a$$-backward, but that's the way of health care these days.

Your post reminded me that for a while my dentist had his hygienists pitching oral cancer screening. They made me feel like I was signing my death warrant for not paying the extra $$ for this screening.