What happens if I dont pay a medical bill ?

Jumboman

gctest50 wrote: »

I think its a great genuine example of shock of the price of things like this and all the necessary extras.

Bit like when you order in a few escort girls and get a bit of a surprise that the champagne and charlie are not thrown in for free. And you'd have to have them like.
Otherwise you'd be "would you like some yogurt girls ? fresh fromage? only got it this morning"

Consultants are not that much different to prostitutes who will screw you for every penny they can get.

RobFowl

Jumboman wrote: »

Consultants are not that much different to prostitutes who will screw you for every penny they can get.

In my experience most consultants are dedicated and caring. The cost they are charged for offices and premises is extremely high as is their insurance (60-100k a year. All this comes out of the fee's the charge.
Personally I do feel they are too high but not as bad a they initially seem.
Also seeing them after all the tests is vital as they are the ones who can interpret the results and tell you what they think.
Medicine is not a precise science and a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan are not always possible unfortunately and I can see where your frustration comes from.
I had a health issue this year and went private. Saw 4 different specialists (2 to out-rule specific problems I suppose) and 1 thought he knew what the issue was , 2 said it wasn't a problem in their area and one puled it all together and made the final diagnosis and treatment plan).
Just thought I'd add that.

PS there were a few digs about medical card holders paying to go private. Sometimes the waiting lists are so long for public services they are left with little choice. I certainly don't share their opinion here.

Good luck to the OP in trying to get the issues resolved.

Astala

Jumboman wrote: »

Consultants are not that much different to prostitutes who will screw you for every penny they can get.

Sums up your attitude.

dermabrasion

I have been following this thread out of curiosity. Along the way I came to the conclusion that this is total BS. There are things that don't add up or hold water in the story. It is a polemic or narrative to get people angry about excessive fees and screwing the little guy. There are probably elements that are true, but I don't think we have the whole story.
I am a consultant. I don't have a private practice. but that's not the issue. I am a prostitute according to Jumboman. There are some similarities between me and hookers;I get up at night, any time anywhere, I just have to get up when the phone rings, and God knows what is going to meet me when I arrive at the hospital. Unlike hookers, I don't get to choose, I have to treat everyone.
I have given my life to helping people, advancing my profession and to teach those who will come after me within the chaos of our health system. I get well paid, but I am certainly not wealthy. but I believe that I earn it. I get paid to stop
people dying. That's my job, and it took me 20 very hard years to learn how to do it.
I expect my post will upset some of who read it in ways that I cannot predict as I write. I apologise if I offend. I set to write this because I am sick to death of the crap that the media read out after being handed by a PR firm employed by the HSE. And the crap, which populates the media is NEVER critically questioned by the media. It however reponsible for much or the anger relfected in the posts written above. But as far as calling me or the doctors I work alongside "prostitutes", I felt I had to say something.

nino1

dermabrasion wrote: »

I have been following this thread out of curiosity. Along the way I came to the conclusion that this is total BS. There are things that don't add up or hold water in the story. It is a polemic or narrative to get people angry about excessive fees and screwing the little guy. There are probably elements that are true, but I don't think we have the whole story.
I am a consultant. I don't have a private practice. but that's not the issue. I am a prostitute according to Jumboman. There are some similarities between me and hookers;I get up at night, any time anywhere, I just have to get up when the phone rings, and God knows what is going to meet me when I arrive at the hospital. Unlike hookers, I don't get to choose, I have to treat everyone.
I have given my life to helping people, advancing my profession and to teach those who will come after me within the chaos of our health system. I get well paid, but I am certainly not wealthy. but I believe that I earn it. I get paid to stop
people dying. That's my job, and it took me 20 very hard years to learn how to do it.
I expect my post will upset some of who read it in ways that I cannot predict as I write. I apologise if I offend. I set to write this because I am sick to death of the crap that the media read out after being handed by a PR firm employed by the HSE. And the crap, which populates the media is NEVER critically questioned by the media. It however reponsible for much or the anger relfected in the posts written above. But as far as calling me or the doctors I work alongside "prostitutes", I felt I had to say something.

Jumboman is just one of life's whingers. He will always find something to complain about. He has recently been complaining about lawyers and pharmacist, now consultants and as soon as he meets the next person who dares to charge him for a sevice he will surely complain about them too.
Boards.ie is like a wet dream for him as he gets to air his grievances with whoever cares to listen. Those that do should know better.

OMD

Jumboman wrote: »

Consultants are not that much different to prostitutes who will screw you for every penny they can get.

How much have you paid out already in total? €900 to consultant, what else were you charged for?

Jumboman

dermabrasion wrote: »

I have been following this thread out of curiosity. Along the way I came to the conclusion that this is total BS.
There are things that don't add up or hold water in the story.

So I made the whole thing up did I ?

I get well paid, but I am certainly not wealthy but I believe that I earn it.

Are you for real ? your not wealthy ?? your in the top 1% of the
population. How can someone who earns over 200k a year say their not wealthy ?

If there is any "bs" its in your story when you make the claim your not wealthy. I neally fell off my chair when I read that comment.
Gerry ryan also claimed that he didnt have much money either.
Its amazing how some people who are rolling in money think their poor.

But as far as calling me or the doctors I work alongside "prostitutes", I felt I had to say something.

I only made that comment because I felt I was getting ripped off. Do you think a consultant deserves 200euro to speak to me for 5mins on top of the 900euro I had already paid him ? in which he could'nt find the cause of the problem.

Jumboman

OMD wrote: »

How much have you paid out already in total? €900 to consultant, what else were you charged for?

200 euro to see him first then 700 for the tests is what I have paid him so far.

OMD

Jumboman wrote: »

200 euro to see him first then 700 for the tests is what I have paid him so far.

Are you sure all that was for the consultant. Normally there is a fee to the hospital as well. This covers the cost of the equipment the nurse etc.

Hootanany

dermabrasion wrote: »

I have been following this thread out of curiosity. Along the way I came to the conclusion that this is total BS. There are things that don't add up or hold water in the story. It is a polemic or narrative to get people angry about excessive fees and screwing the little guy. There are probably elements that are true, but I don't think we have the whole story.
I am a consultant. I don't have a private practice. but that's not the issue. I am a prostitute according to Jumboman. There are some similarities between me and hookers;I get up at night, any time anywhere, I just have to get up when the phone rings, and God knows what is going to meet me when I arrive at the hospital. Unlike hookers, I don't get to choose, I have to treat everyone.
I have given my life to helping people, advancing my profession and to teach those who will come after me within the chaos of our health system. I get well paid, but I am certainly not wealthy. but I believe that I earn it. I get paid to stop
people dying. That's my job, and it took me 20 very hard years to learn how to do it.
I expect my post will upset some of who read it in ways that I cannot predict as I write. I apologise if I offend. I set to write this because I am sick to death of the crap that the media read out after being handed by a PR firm employed by the HSE. And the crap, which populates the media is NEVER critically questioned by the media. It however reponsible for much or the anger relfected in the posts written above. But as far as calling me or the doctors I work alongside "prostitutes", I felt I had to say something.

This takes the biscuit.
The problem with the HSE is the consultants wages and private practises.
If all of you worked towards a functioning healthcare system and not to line your own pockets it would work.

Astala

Jumboman wrote: »

So I made the whole thing up did I ?


Are you for real ? your not wealthy ?? your in the top 1% of the
population. How can someone who earns over 200k a year say their not wealthy ?

If there is any "bs" its in your story when you make the claim your not wealthy. I neally fell off my chair when I read that comment.
Gerry ryan also claimed that he didnt have much money either.
Its amazing how some people who are rolling in money think their poor.


I only made that comment because I felt I was getting ripped off. Do you think a consultant deserves 200euro to speak to me for 5mins on top of the 900euro I had already paid him ? in which he could'nt find the cause of the problem.

Your attitude is the kind that I despise. Some consultants "earn" €200,000 p.a. In reality, they're taxed so much that they're only getting €80,000 p.a.-and I speak from personal experience. People who have dedicated their lives to study, worry about their patients, make life or death decisions regarding lives which are not their own, working inhuman hours-and for what? For someone like you, scrounging off the state, refusing to pay your bills, threatening to sue your GP because "I think he missed a big diagnosis", regarding them as overpaid "prostitutes"?

How dare you! I'm a medical student, and every aspect of my life is engulfed by study, working constantly, worrying about whether I'll have enough to fund a 6-year course. Yet, I know that at the end of it, I'll be helping people who are in need of help-that's the greatest gift of all. When I do qualify and EARN my pay, I won't think twice of people like you who begrudge, because I know that every cent that I get, I earn. In fact, doctors should be getting paid more for the absolute dedication they give. Instead, the government target them by taxing them until they're only bringing home a fraction of what they deserve. This isn't a simple 9-5 job. It's a 24/7 life choice. As a student, I study non-stop. When I'm not studying, I feel guilty for not studying. When I am studying, I feel like I'm not doing enough. All around me I see my friends who are studying arts, commerce, law, etc. enjoying life. Even so, I don't regret doing medicine one bit-it's a vocation which I absolutely adore.

I am very sorry that you are having health difficulties, but your attitude stinks. In fact, if you show this little respect for doctors, no wonder your consultant is only spending "15 minutes" with you.

Cop on and pay your bill.

Jumboman

Astala wrote: »

Your attitude is the kind that I despise.

I'd hate to have you as my doctor what sort of doctor despises a patient ? I think your in the wrong profession if you despise people who are going through the health system.

For someone like you, scrounging off the state,

And how I'm I scrounging off the state ? thats a bit rich coming from someone who is likely going to be in receipt of public money.

refusing to pay your bills, threatening to sue your GP because "I think he missed a big diagnosis", regarding them as overpaid "prostitutes"?

And why wound'nt I sue when hes over looking a serious health issue ? he has already misdiagnosed a skin conidtion I have.

. In fact, if you show this little respect for doctors, no wonder your consultant is only spending "15 minutes" with you.

Cop on and pay your bill.

I said 5 minutes with him can you even read ?

Astala

Jumboman wrote: »

I'd hate to have you as my doctor what sort of doctor despises a patient ? I think your in the wrong profession if you despise people who are going through the health system.

I stopped actively reading after this. I said it's your attitude which I despise, not you. However, it's interesting to note that you interpreted it as someone despising you. You think everyone is out to get you, don't you?

Your post is juvenile, and as expected.

Agnieszka_88

Jumboman

Astala wrote: »

I stopped actively reading after this. I said it's your attitude which I despise, not you. However, it's interesting to note that you interpreted it as someone despising you. You think everyone is out to get you, don't you?

Your post is juvenile, and as expected.

No I dont. But you seem to have a major chip on your shoulder. You also seem to believe that the medical profession are above reproach, priests use to enjoy that privilege and we all know what happened with them.

I still think its highly inappropriate and unprofessional for a doctor to talk about despising a patients opinion. If I was dying would you give it a
100% to try and save me ? or just go through the motions.
Some how I doubt it based on your comment about despising my opinion.

Astala

Jumboman wrote: »

No I dont. But you seem to have a major chip on your shoulder. You also seem to believe that the medical profession are above reproach, priests use to enjoy that privilege and we all know what happened with them.

I still think its highly inappropriate and unprofessional for a doctor to talk about despising a patients opinion. If I was dying would you give it a
100% to try and save me ? or just go through the motions.
Some how I doubt it based on your comment about despising my opinion.

This is incredible. Please re-read my post. It is your attitude towards doctors that I don't like-I didn't mention your opinion.

However, I do think your opinion that consultants are ''prostitutes'' is disturbing.

Jack Kyle

Jumboman wrote: »

If I was dying would you give it a
100% to try and save me ? or just go through the motions

I'm just the janitor, and I'd probably sneak in and pull the plug on you to be fair.

People lambast so called high earners in Ireland. It's classic begrudery. In places like the US, high achievers are celebrated.

These people have studied hard for maybe a decade and worked ungodly hours for f..k all dough. Meanwhile the scroungers crib and moan but get everything for free despite the fact that they're too stupid and/or lazy to provide for themselves.

Astala

Jumboman wrote: »

No I dont. But you seem to have a major chip on your shoulder. You also seem to believe that the medical profession are above reproach, priests use to enjoy that privilege and we all know what happened with them.

I still think its highly inappropriate and unprofessional for a doctor to talk about despising a patients opinion. If I was dying would you give it a
100% to try and save me ? or just go through the motions.
Some how I doubt it based on your comment about despising my opinion.

I would give it my all to save a patient. I came into medicine to help protect life.

Listen, you have your answer-pay your bill and stop acting like a spoiled child.

Jumboman

Astala wrote: »

Listen, you have your answer-pay your bill and stop acting like a spoiled child.

How I'm I acting like a spoiled child ?

Jumboman

Jack Kyle wrote: »

I'm just the janitor, and I'd probably sneak in and pull the plug on you to be fair.

People lambast so called high earners in Ireland. It's classic begrudery. In places like the US, high achievers are celebrated.

These people have studied hard for maybe a decade and worked ungodly hours for f..k all dough. Meanwhile the scroungers crib and moan but get everything for free despite the fact that they're too stupid and/or lazy to provide for themselves.

Nobody is saying they shouldnt be paid well. But there is being paid well and then there is taking the piss. I come back to my original point do you think a consultant is right to charge 200euro to speak to me for 5 minutes after I already paid him to do the tests and he couldnt even find the problem.

Doctors in Ireland are paid for too much, in france you can see a doctor for 20euro here its 50-60.

When doctors cliam they are not wealthy it reminds me of padraig flynn on the late late show when he said he found it hard to live on IR100K after tax in 1999.

Jumboman

Astala wrote: »

This is incredible. Please re-read my post. It is your attitude towards doctors that I don't like-I didn't mention your opinion.

However, I do think your opinion that consultants are ''prostitutes'' is disturbing.

I only used the phase prostitute because I've been ripped off.

When I see a doctor I dont give them any attitude. My "attitude" comes from experience I was naive to think that if I told a doctor what my symptoms were they would try and help me but no my GP told me that there is nothing wrong with me which is otter nonsense because I know my own body.

It seems if you have a health problem that takes time to investigate they cound'nt be bothered helping you because it will take up too much of their time.

MrCreosote

Jumboman wrote: »

Doctors in Ireland are paid for too much, in france you can see a doctor for 20euro here its 50-60.

Healthcare is not free in any country- you always pay either through tax, or insurance, or in cold hard cash at the point of service. In Ireland you have a choice- you chose the last option.

If you want to compare countries with each other you're better off looking at the total health spend per capita, which in Ireland is just above the European average.

You have a valid enough point in terms of getting value for the money you've spent/owe, but it's getting lost in the ranting and raving about overpaid consultants

dissed doc

Jumboman wrote: »

Nobody is saying they shouldnt be paid well. But there is being paid well and then there is taking the piss. I come back to my original point do you think a consultant is right to charge 200euro to speak to me for 5 minutes after I already paid him to do the tests and he couldnt even find the problem.

Doctors in Ireland are paid for too much, in france you can see a doctor for 20euro here its 50-60.

When doctors cliam they are not wealthy it reminds me of padraig flynn on the late late show when he said he found it hard to live on IR100K after tax in 1999.

Everyone pays that in France. In Ireland many people pay €0 and the next person pays €50. If you want to point fingers, point it at the 4 million people in the country that refuse to move on from a welfare left-wing state. NO point in complaining when it's probably your neighbour that gets a medical card and you pay taxes and then have to pay €50.

You are paying for expert advise with a consultant. Free market, private sector, etc., . On one hand we have the pro-private sector people saying how it is way better, and then when they realise the *actual* cost of seeing a specialist it's all government-control-this-that-and-whatever.

Ihaveanopinion

I have enjoyed reading this thread. It is an interesting take from a patient who has not received the news they want or are happy with. Unfortunately, this is often the case. You will have had many tests done and are told 'I can't tell you whats wrong with you' or 'There is nothing wrong with you'. Neither is satisfactory to the patient/client/customer, because you have a genuine problem.

Saying that, just because you are not happy with the answer, doesn't mean you are not liable for the bill. Nobody forced you to go to a private doctor. You could have gone to a public outpatients department and gotten all the same tests done at no cost to yourself, except for the waiting time.

It was your choice to go to a private doctor. You are well within your rights to ask what the costs are in advance of any consultation. If you did not, then that is your fault.

Accept the responsibility for the bill.

Hootanany

And why does one have to wait up to 2 years to see a Consultant,yet open your wallet & Hey presto they appear.

take everything

Jumboman wrote: »

No I dont. But you seem to have a major chip on your shoulder. You also seem to believe that the medical profession are above reproach, priests use to enjoy that privilege and we all know what happened with them.

I still think its highly inappropriate and unprofessional for a doctor to talk about despising a patients opinion. If I was dying would you give it a
100% to try and save me ? or just go through the motions.
Some how I doubt it based on your comment about despising my opinion.

Yes doctors (shock horror) have feelings about patient's attitudes/opinions. If a patient had an opinion that I was akin to a prostitute, i'd find it hard not to have issue with that opinion.
Doctors aren't robots. They have feelings like other human beings.

It says nothing about how they care for their patients as you're so cynically implying.

dissed doc

Hootanany wrote: »

And why does one have to wait up to 2 years to see a Consultant,yet open your wallet & Hey presto they appear.

Well the Department of Health and HSE chooses to employ a certain number of consultants. In general, that number is well below OECD averages. Therefore the HSE gets to spend less money and you have to spend more to get the service you want.

Jumboman

take everything wrote: »

Yes doctors (shock horror) have feelings about patient's attitudes/opinions. If a patient had an opinion that I was akin to a prostitute, i'd find it hard not to have issue with that opinion.
Doctors aren't robots. They have feelings like other human beings.

It says nothing about how they care for their patients as you're so cynically implying.

Actually now that I think about it gangster may be a more appropriate term.

byhookorbycrook

I had reason to be in hospital recently. The consultant made sure I was settled in, had the right pain meds and came back to see me at 10 pm that (Sunday ) night. She was in at 7 the next morning as she had to drive to a conference about 150 miles away. She was back in to see me at 11 that night. I know from her other patients that this is the norm for her. Is she well paid?Yes. Overpaid??Certainlly not, I would not have her life for all the money in the world.

Xeyn

€200 is a lot for any consultations. Unfortunately as private practice, this is driven by mostly 2 forces 1) the market 2) expenses.
If this is what the market will sustain you can expect the prices to remain to a similar level. It's the same for any private industry/profession.
Expenses are mainly due to their own insurance. Because Ireland is gaining on the USA for being a highly litigious nation the insurance costs are extremely high. Obstetricians pay around €100k a year for insurance.

As for doctors being paid too much. I'm a non consultant hospital doctor and have been for 6 years. My status at home is one of dual income partnership. My fiancé is a nurse, with a masters. We live a comfortable life. We cannot afford a mortgage in Dublin. We both drive cars about 15-20 years old. We can't afford anything more.
We are far from poverty but almost as far from being wealthy.
I have no desire to earn heaps of money, but what awaits me at the end of the road to consultancy? A 100k annual pay package with no scope to do private work, and that's if I get a job as the HSE is extremely reluctant to employ more consultants. 100k is nothing at all to be sniffed but far from the 200k salaries and private income that many associate all consultants with.

Doctors break their backs and sacrifice time with family and friends to work ungodly hours for years upon years to finally get any semblance of 'quality of life' and are consistently greeted with attitudes if disdain and begrudgery. This is one of the reasons doctors are leaving in droves and the already fragile healthcare system is teetering on the edge.

It makes me sad to think that certain sections of the public and government will only realise what an asset doctors and nurses in this country have been once they have gone.