First visit to homeopath leaves me uneasy - please advise
Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:58 pm
I saw a homeopath today for my son's stool withholding issues. Some may recall this
thread:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mi ... sage/42457
The visit left me feeling very unsettled about the integrity of the practitioner I saw, which
leaves me wondering how much faith to have in the integrity/appropriateness of the
remedy.
1. The case-taking session was all of about 10 minutes long. The doctor asked few
questions and got no more information from me than was provided in the thread above. I
recall all of three questions: 1) any stool issues before the withholding began, 2) is he on
any medications for this now, 3) how is his temperament in general.
That was the extent of his case taking.
2. Fees. I chose this doctor because he's an MD in my insurance plan. These are his stated
credentials: MD ABFP DHt MFHom CCH
When I made the appointment I specified it was for classical homeopathy and I was told I'd
have to pay only the $30 co-pay and the cost of the remedy. I thought that would be
great, I'd probably get out for $50-60 total.
I paid the $30 co-pay before seeing the doctor and when I was given the remedy I was told
to pay an additional $130. I asked why so much and was told that for people without
insurance the normal charge is $160 which includes the cost of the visit and remedy
inclusive, but since I had already paid the $30 co-pay the cost of the remedy would be
$130.
So not only do I feel I may have been over charged, I also think he'll be charging my
insurance company company too - essentially double billing. I find that shady and
unscrupulous.
3. The remedy given is VIPERA in a 1% ethanol/water solution. No dosage is specified. The
label seems to indicate they are from Golden Dawn Hom, 112 Lex. (Lexington Avenue,
NYC, I presume.) Interesting since he told me it would take him up to 1/2 hour to
"prepare" the remedy.
I was given 20 bottles which constitutes a 30 days supply. Each bottle holds 3
tablespoons. I was told on day 1 to give a tablespoon from bottle #1 in the am and from
bottle #2 in the pm. On day two I should give a tablespoon from bottle #3 in the am and
#4 in the PM. Day 3 I give from bottles #5 & #6, and so forth in succession through the 20
bottles, then repeat the succession from bottle #1.
Does VIPERA sound like a good match for my sons condition?
Are two doses a day of alcohol solutions sound for a 4 year old?
Is this 20 bottle succession a common approach?
Is $130 a fair price for the remedy alone?
Unfortunately, the limited case-taking and confusing billing practices of this doctor/
homeopath leave me feeling suspect about everything, including the remedy. Should I just
return the remedy for a refund and start again with someone new, or case-taking and
billing aside, does his remedy appear viable/appropriate for my son's case?
Todd
thread:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mi ... sage/42457
The visit left me feeling very unsettled about the integrity of the practitioner I saw, which
leaves me wondering how much faith to have in the integrity/appropriateness of the
remedy.
1. The case-taking session was all of about 10 minutes long. The doctor asked few
questions and got no more information from me than was provided in the thread above. I
recall all of three questions: 1) any stool issues before the withholding began, 2) is he on
any medications for this now, 3) how is his temperament in general.
That was the extent of his case taking.
2. Fees. I chose this doctor because he's an MD in my insurance plan. These are his stated
credentials: MD ABFP DHt MFHom CCH
When I made the appointment I specified it was for classical homeopathy and I was told I'd
have to pay only the $30 co-pay and the cost of the remedy. I thought that would be
great, I'd probably get out for $50-60 total.
I paid the $30 co-pay before seeing the doctor and when I was given the remedy I was told
to pay an additional $130. I asked why so much and was told that for people without
insurance the normal charge is $160 which includes the cost of the visit and remedy
inclusive, but since I had already paid the $30 co-pay the cost of the remedy would be
$130.
So not only do I feel I may have been over charged, I also think he'll be charging my
insurance company company too - essentially double billing. I find that shady and
unscrupulous.
3. The remedy given is VIPERA in a 1% ethanol/water solution. No dosage is specified. The
label seems to indicate they are from Golden Dawn Hom, 112 Lex. (Lexington Avenue,
NYC, I presume.) Interesting since he told me it would take him up to 1/2 hour to
"prepare" the remedy.
I was given 20 bottles which constitutes a 30 days supply. Each bottle holds 3
tablespoons. I was told on day 1 to give a tablespoon from bottle #1 in the am and from
bottle #2 in the pm. On day two I should give a tablespoon from bottle #3 in the am and
#4 in the PM. Day 3 I give from bottles #5 & #6, and so forth in succession through the 20
bottles, then repeat the succession from bottle #1.
Does VIPERA sound like a good match for my sons condition?
Are two doses a day of alcohol solutions sound for a 4 year old?
Is this 20 bottle succession a common approach?
Is $130 a fair price for the remedy alone?
Unfortunately, the limited case-taking and confusing billing practices of this doctor/
homeopath leave me feeling suspect about everything, including the remedy. Should I just
return the remedy for a refund and start again with someone new, or case-taking and
billing aside, does his remedy appear viable/appropriate for my son's case?
Todd