Doctor prescribed me some tests, which she suggested should preferably be done through Dr. Lals. I asked her WHY? She told me that their results are trustworthy. I accepted that and thought about it later on, as to why do doctors prefer to get tests done through these chains? Is there anything bigger/ deeper which we (consumers) do not know?
I guess the answer can be simple - we all know that its a CAP accredited lab and its CP center (in Delhi) has most sophisticated equipments to test samples or, I have also heard that they might be providing incentives to doctors (I dont know!!). I dont know the answer to this question; but what I know is my experience with Dr. Lal's has been pathetic
The story goes like.....
Once I was prescribed a test and told to get it done through Lal's, the first thing which I did was to find a center, which is close to my house and do that test. For this, I went to their website - which seemed to be too slow and I had to try 3-4 times, before actually finding a contact. I called up their helpline, which was helpful. They suggested me 2-3 centers, which were close to my house. I called up Ashok Vihar center (which seemed to have facility to conduct the test I was prescribed). They told me that I can come anytime between 7.30 to 7.30 to get the test done. I thought its great! The lab is open for 12 hours. I went to the center the same day.
I entered the center and the female at the reception told me that I can get it done only till 6. I left early from the office and reached there center by 7. And mind you, leaving early from the office is difficult at times. I told them that you informed me over phone that I can get it done till 7.30; then the response was - 6.30 to 7.30 is the report collection time. Somebody must have misguided you. I said OK and left the clinic with a bad taste.
I went there at 9.30 the next day and took prior appointment this time. Reached the center on time; however, found out that doctor has still not arrived. Waited for about half an hour. The doctor who took the test was good. I knew him, as he also has his own path lab near my house. The test also required collection of blood sample, for which Dr. Lal's has a thick needle and vacuum system. This system makes it easy for the person who is collecting the sample and also ensures that sample do not catch up an infection during the process. However, the needle was too thick and if you are supposed to do two tests, they will fill two vials with blood - for which actually 1 ml might have been enough (instead of 2-3 ml which these guys take). I said Ok... no worries....
Center guys told me to collect report at 7.30, the same day. I reached on time, however, guys there told me that they have some problem with their system and report will come in half an hour. I said Ok.... I am waiting.... after 45 mins, they told me that reports will not be available today..... that was it! I got completely dissatisfied, as this center wasted a lot of my effort and time, to get one simple test done!!! They told me that report will be delivered at my home, the next morning. As I expected, the report didnt came and center even didnt inform me anything. I went to the center after 2 days and collected the report!!... I wonder how professional are organized path lab chains such as Dr. Lal's........
This is just my first experience and I had a similar experience when I went to their another center (Shalimar Bagh). This time, center was not hygienic at all and add this to all the negative things about the chain.
I will never recommend anyone to get their tests done through Lal's and will never personally go to them for getting the test done.
I would appreciate if you can share your experience as well!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) - For a Layman
Prescription Drug Plan (PDP)
Prescription drug plan covers the cost of drugs mentioned in the prescription. It is offered by private insurers in the US. It’s basically same as Medicare Part D, which is a federal program to subsidize the costs of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. It was enacted as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) and went into effect on January 1, 2006.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. They add coverage to:
• Original Medicare
• Some Medicare Cost Plans
• Some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans and
Status of PDPs: As of 2010 there were 1,576 stand-alone Part D plans available. One can choose plans to cover different drugs, or classes of drugs, at various co-pays, or choose not to cover some drugs at all. Because private companies are setting up the plans for Medicare, each plan will be a bit different. Some may use only certain pharmacies and others may cover only certain drugs. The cost also may vary. It is important to pick one that meets your needs.
Medicare has made available an interactive online tool called the Prescription Drug Plan Finder that allows for comparison of drug availability and costs for all plans in a geographic area.
Cost will vary depending on which plan you choose, which drugs you use and whether you get help paying your Medicare Part D costs. Most Part D drug plans charge a monthly premium (an average of $27.93), a $275 deductible and a small co-pay for each drug. Some people qualify for extra help paying their costs. If you don't qualify for extra help, your drug plan may have a "coverage gap" -- some people call it the "donut hole." A coverage gap is a period of time in which you will have to pay for all your prescription drug costs yourself. The coverage gap begins once you and your plan have spent $2,700 on prescription drugs. After that, you will continue to pay your monthly premium and you will pay for the next $4,350 of your drug costs out-of-pocket. Once you reach your coverage gap limit, you have "catastrophic coverage." This means you only pay a small amount for each of your drugs for the rest of the year.
How can one get coverage for their medical bills in the US?
• You have health insurance through a current or former employer or union.
• You are in a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Health Plan (like an HMO, PPO, or PFFS plan).
• You have Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance).
• You have Medicaid.
• You have Supplemental Security Income benefits or get help from your state Medicaid program paying your Medicare premiums.
• Your state pharmacy program pays for your prescriptions.
• You get prescription drug coverage from TRICARE.
• You get prescription drug coverage from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• You are in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• You get housing assistance from HUD
• You get Food Stamps
• You get prescription drug coverage from FEHBP
Further reading:
1. http://www.medicare.gov/MPDPF/Shared/Static/tabHelp.asp?activeTab=5&Language=English
2. http://www.medicare.gov/MPDPF/Public/Include/DataSection/Questions/MPDPFIntro.asp?version=default&browser=IE%7C7%7CWinXP&language=English&defaultstatus=0&pagelist=Home&ViewType=Public&PDPYear=2010&MAPDYear=2010&MPDPF%5FMPPF%5FIntegrate=N#
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicare_Part_D
4. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/pat-advocacy/insurance/848.html
5. http://www.q1medicare.com/PartD-2010MedicarePartD-PlanStatistics.php?crit=National
6. http://www.q1medicare.com/PartD-MedicarePartDPlanStatisticsState.php
Prescription drug plan covers the cost of drugs mentioned in the prescription. It is offered by private insurers in the US. It’s basically same as Medicare Part D, which is a federal program to subsidize the costs of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. It was enacted as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) and went into effect on January 1, 2006.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. They add coverage to:
• Original Medicare
• Some Medicare Cost Plans
• Some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans and
Status of PDPs: As of 2010 there were 1,576 stand-alone Part D plans available. One can choose plans to cover different drugs, or classes of drugs, at various co-pays, or choose not to cover some drugs at all. Because private companies are setting up the plans for Medicare, each plan will be a bit different. Some may use only certain pharmacies and others may cover only certain drugs. The cost also may vary. It is important to pick one that meets your needs.
Medicare has made available an interactive online tool called the Prescription Drug Plan Finder that allows for comparison of drug availability and costs for all plans in a geographic area.
Cost will vary depending on which plan you choose, which drugs you use and whether you get help paying your Medicare Part D costs. Most Part D drug plans charge a monthly premium (an average of $27.93), a $275 deductible and a small co-pay for each drug. Some people qualify for extra help paying their costs. If you don't qualify for extra help, your drug plan may have a "coverage gap" -- some people call it the "donut hole." A coverage gap is a period of time in which you will have to pay for all your prescription drug costs yourself. The coverage gap begins once you and your plan have spent $2,700 on prescription drugs. After that, you will continue to pay your monthly premium and you will pay for the next $4,350 of your drug costs out-of-pocket. Once you reach your coverage gap limit, you have "catastrophic coverage." This means you only pay a small amount for each of your drugs for the rest of the year.
How can one get coverage for their medical bills in the US?
• You have health insurance through a current or former employer or union.
• You are in a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Health Plan (like an HMO, PPO, or PFFS plan).
• You have Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance).
• You have Medicaid.
• You have Supplemental Security Income benefits or get help from your state Medicaid program paying your Medicare premiums.
• Your state pharmacy program pays for your prescriptions.
• You get prescription drug coverage from TRICARE.
• You get prescription drug coverage from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• You are in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• You get housing assistance from HUD
• You get Food Stamps
• You get prescription drug coverage from FEHBP
Further reading:
1. http://www.medicare.gov/MPDPF/Shared/Static/tabHelp.asp?activeTab=5&Language=English
2. http://www.medicare.gov/MPDPF/Public/Include/DataSection/Questions/MPDPFIntro.asp?version=default&browser=IE%7C7%7CWinXP&language=English&defaultstatus=0&pagelist=Home&ViewType=Public&PDPYear=2010&MAPDYear=2010&MPDPF%5FMPPF%5FIntegrate=N#
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicare_Part_D
4. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/pat-advocacy/insurance/848.html
5. http://www.q1medicare.com/PartD-2010MedicarePartD-PlanStatistics.php?crit=National
6. http://www.q1medicare.com/PartD-MedicarePartDPlanStatisticsState.php
Why I started this blog
I always wanted to share my views / experience on topics related to my life and industry. Finally, I found a platform, where I can share these. I plan to update this regularly... lets see, if I can do that
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