I were referred to this doctor by a friend that just delivered with her. She was not required to do this program. Had a great experience. Me on the other hand...read on.
Our first visit was normal. I met the doctor, did an ultrasound and had a blood test. I was then called in for a second visit because there were more tests required, and sent to get more tests. The third visit was a typical pap, etc. this visit was when I met with the "OB coordinator", which was the salesperson for this platinum mommies program. This is where the nightmare began...
During NONE of these visits was it mentioned to me that they would not be able to deliver my baby if I didn't participate in this program. It was always presented as an optional program that was an add on package, not a requirement. Not until I was called back to see if I was going to participate in this program, was I told that it was a mandatory. When I asked why I wasn't not told it was mandatory, the receptionist said "well, its on our website" and they would "be happy to release my records"--How nice of them!! I now, at 17 weeks, had to find a doctor that wasn't completely booked. They also have still not released my records...maybe next week??
Look, I understand that some people want to pay extra for additional services...there's all kinds of suckers out there. What I don't understand is why I wasn't told about this on the FIRST VISIT!! Were they trying to get me to like them first? She asked if I could borrow the money from family or something. Don't you think if I was going to borrow money, it would be for the BABY, not the delivery!! They took me into a consultation room, which was one of the treatment rooms that had been converted into a "pitch" room. Was this a timeshare presentation? Was I taken on a test drive before we went inside to talk about the numbers?? I thought it was a doctor visit!! (by the way, my insurance and I were charged for this visit) Shouldn't this treatment room be used for what it is intended, treating patients? maybe then they could help people for the same price everyone else does.
I also thought that I pay for ridiculously priced insurance so that I get good health care from good doctors. I didn't realize that it was now required to pay more to have a doctor that answers her phone or performs required services. She talks above about how you don't get a lot of these things for "most OBs". Well, what about the ones you do get them from? Do you think they charge for being there for their patients? Don't you still bill the insurance for the visits anyway? And then get the extra money for...what? Is all of this really worth $3,500.00(which, by the way started at 5,000.00 but she was going to give us a deal!!)
As far as Im concerned, this should be all presented up front and made optional. This actually makes you a TERRIBLE doctor, not a better doctor because you see less people...etc.