Feb 19, 2012 11:59 AM
36840 Views
I went to meet an orthopedics yesterday as my left foot was having some pain after walking for some time. Since pain was there for last 4-5 months I decided to go to meet the doctor. I choose St'Johns hospital, since I had been there for couple of times and the doctors used very friendly. Also they won't recommend unnecessary tests and treatments as used to do by other private hospitals in Bangalore for money.
This time I had a very bad experience with Dr. Rajkumar of orthopedic department.
Initially he told me to walk in toes and asked about the pain. I didn't have any pain at that time. I told him if I walk for long distance, then only I used to get the pain. He suggested X Ray of Back( 2 Views) and left foot( 2 views) I have done it from the hospital and the cost was very low compared to out side( Only Rs 360/- for 4 views). I met the doctor again with the X Ray and he told there gap between the joints in foot is little bit more. Normally this used to see on foot ball players or people of age 50+.
Then he suggested to do a blood test and MRI Scan. He insisted me to go to Magnus Diagnostic center at Koramangala, as in the hospital, MRI appointment would take more time. I enquired the hospital MRI dept and the appointment as available on Monday afternoon only.My case was not an emergency case and I didn't have any serious medical conditions, but still the doctor was forcing me to complete the MRI scan on the same day and he told me to go to Magnus in Koramangala. When I called Magnus, they told they can give the appointment ion the evening only. It was not useful as the doctor will be available in the hospital till 6pm. And on Monday he will be available from 4 pm. So an MRI from St Johns on Monday 1.30 pm would have been a good choice. But the Doctor directly called Magnus and told them to do the scanning for me at the earliest. So they arranged it at 4 PM yesterday. I was not knowing the cost of MRI scan and was under the impression that it will cost Rs 500-700 as it is only one foot. I went to Magnus as forced by the doctor. I didn't even bothered to ask the cost, as my impression was it will be less. When the bill came, it was Rs 8100/-! And the scan report was same as X Ray and blood report shows excess of Uric Acid.
I cursed myself and the doctor. The Doctor identified the issue well with a Rs 360- X Ray and only for getting commission and for giving business to Magnus he sent me there.
Mostly people who do not have much money to spend is going to hospital like St Johns as expecting they will get better treatment with low cost. But there also some doctors like Rajkumar making use of them and unnecessarily sending for scanning etc.I request the hospital management to necessary precautions to prevent this kind of unnecessary referrals to outside labs, otherwise the mission of the hospital would be hijacked.
