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| - In my 60 years on the planet, this was the worst ER visit EVER.
I am a degreed professional and I expect professional service, along with honesty in a hospital. I was admitted to the ER with sever pain in the abdomen. I suspected (and was right) that I had gallstones. The Doctor would not listen to my understanding of what was happening inside MY body. He ran every test except an ultrasound for gallstones. All tests came back normal. He then ran an ultrasound and surprise of all surprises, gallstones. The doctor then admitted me for surgery. I advised that I was not ready for surgery and wanted a second opinion. The doctor said that if I left and went for a second opinion, my leaving would be Against Medical Advise (AMA) and this would result in my being personally responsible for the cost of testing and any other cost incurred at the ER, as my insurance would not pay for my ER visit. Basically, I felt that I was being financially blackmailed. I contacted my insurance carrier and they advised that this was not the case. I was told that a hospitalist would come and see me and discuss my options. NO hospitalist saw me. A surgeon did see me and advised that if I did not have the surgery right now, " You can never come back to this hospital again" Upon hearing this statement I asked what policy he was referring to and why? I was then told, by the Surgeon that I would not be allowed back because it was "not fair to him". The principal of his statement was predicated on the idea that if I did come back, I would be in worse shape and that His job would be more difficult. I refused all further treatment, demanded that NO AMA be issues and requested immediate release. All of which was granted. I left Banner desert and made a beeline for Dignity health at ST Josephs Hospital. At St Joe's I was treated, by doctors who welcomed second opinions, did not blackmail me into rush surgery and offered their services again and again if I needed them. I worked with their system of doctors and will have my surgery, with a team of doctors who I trust, only 3 days after leaving Banner. My advise is to get to a Dignity Hospital if you can, not a Banner Hospital.
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