A few months ago, I visited my family doctor who’s practice I’ve been visiting for over thirty years. I have proper reason to receive B12 shots and without proper reason I was denied and instructed to see a specialist. No explanation or chance to pay for it “out of pocket” –

Another family member was receiving sulfur lotions that were prescribed for them for well over a year and they were also denied.

Yes, IN MY OPINON AND OPINON ONLY, this practice was (factually) purchased by a large corporate hospital system and anybody making an honest attempt to see a doctor will be blindly forced to pay a copay and referred to a specialist. The business measures risk and liability; they also minimize billing disputes and maximize profits by complying with protocols defined by the insurance administrators. I don’t blame them.

Many people mistake having health insurance for being healthy. This is not true. Many people do not realize that some employers are the insurers and the company name on their benefit card is merely a financial administrator. They’re insured, however, your money goes into a pot and they pay a percentage of the bills. Nothing is free in life, someone is paying.

Fast forward – I found an outstanding doctor for general medical care that is honest, willing to treat conditions and does not retain electronic records.

How many times have you found yourself waiting in an examination room with a computer terminal. I have. Sometimes it’s an iPad, and sometimes the computer is with the receptionist. Sometimes the employees use the iPads for personal reasons; sometimes the receptionist checks her email.

Why is this reason to be concerned? Allow me to illustrate, and please do not practice this – it’s merely an example:

Bring a new and unused USB thumb-drive and while you wait; merely place it next to the computer. When your nurse or doctor returns, ask if that’s their thumb drive. It’s obviously not. State your concern and state that if that had a virus and was plugged into the computer, it may provide a remote individual the ability to view everything on the computer screen. Ask directly what they would see about yourself.

We all value health and the medical system is not entirely flawed. It’s important to remember that you’re a customer, not a victim. You’re allowed to request that a certain visit or treatment remains “out of pocket” and private from your employer or insurer. You’re entitled to ask who your visit or treatment is reported to. Ask, ask, ask away – don’t be paranoid, be informed. Know why you’re seeing your doctor and state it when making the appointment.

In short, there are many physicians that care about their patients and try their best to look after your best interest. Be informed, inform those whom you trust to care for you and keep your eyes open so you’re informed. Hands out of the dough-nuts if you’re being treated for diabetes and put down the smokes if you have cancer. Be honest, look forward and live strong!