We received an excellent response to our call for questions and have gotten many inquiries regarding personal health issues. Some are very personal, while others are general. At times, we combine similar questions to provide answers that address multiple related concerns.
Q1: I am a 50-year-old in good health – no illnesses, no medications. Occasionally, I get a sore throat, cough, or similar minor illness. Recently, I developed a sore throat, cough with yellow phlegm, and body aches. I called my doctor’s office, but the receptionist told me the next available appointment was in ten days and advised me that if I was very sick, I should go to the ER.
The ER was great – they immediately took my vitals, asked a few questions, and then told me to wait in the reception area. I waited for 2-3 hours before being taken into the treatment room. The doctor came in, asked more questions about my illness, and ordered blood tests and X-rays. After waiting another 1-2 hours, the doctor told me I had bronchitis, possibly early pneumonia. He prescribed antibiotics and other medications.
Soon after, a nurse gave me a stack of papers explaining my diagnosis, medications, and possible side effects, and told me to see my doctor in 5-7 days – or return to the ER if I got worse. My total stay was about 8 hours. The ER was busy, but I got better within a few days and returned to work.
About two weeks later, I started receiving bills – from the hospital, ER, ER doctor, pathology, and radiology departments – totaling around $3,500. I was shocked. That’s a lot of money for me. Can you tell me where I went wrong?
A: You did absolutely the right thing by calling your doctor for advice. The problem occurred at the doctor’s office. You were not properly triaged (asked questions to assess the severity of your illness), and your doctor was likely unaware of your call. The receptionist probably gave a default response.
ER care is expensive for many reasons. Each service you receive – such as lab work, imaging, and physician evaluation – generates separate bills from different providers. These costs add up quickly, and patients have little control over the charges or whether every service is necessary. For example, a single Tylenol tablet might cost $25!
Your illness, while concerning, was not life-threatening. It could likely have been treated at your doctor’s office within an hour, for a fraction of the cost, with similar results. Telemedicine can also diagnose and treat many such conditions at a much lower cost – saving you both time and money – and can help determine whether an ER visit is truly necessary (For example, we provide affordable telemedicine services to our patients through Click2MD / 716-528-0000.)
If a similar situation arises again, ask to speak directly with a doctor or nurse to determine whether an ER visit is medically necessary or if there are more cost-effective alternatives. You have the right to ask questions and make informed decisions. If your doctor’s office refuses to assist, it may be time to find a new provider.
Remember: medical debt is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the U.S.
Q2: I am 45 years old and have been losing weight for the past 4-6 weeks. I get tired easily, though my appetite and eating habits are normal. I don’t have any other symptoms. My clothes are fitting better, but I’m concerned about the weight loss and fatigue.
A: Unintentional weight loss despite a normal appetite is concerning. You should monitor your weight for the next 1-2 weeks and schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Possible causes include:
- Metabolic conditions (diabetes, overactive thyroid, adrenal gland disorders)
- Gastrointestinal issues (advanced liver disease, malabsorption, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis)
- Mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, major stress)
- Cancer (colon, lung, or others)
This is only a partial list but highlights the importance of seeing your doctor promptly. Your physician will likely order blood tests, imaging, and other diagnostic studies. With early diagnosis, treatment outcomes are generally much better.
Procrastination is not recommended in this scenario.
