Most nonagenarians have important doctor appointments on a regular basis. Perhaps that’s why they’re still alive. My husband saves all of his appointment cards, even though the hospital usually calls or texts to remind him of the date and time.  Last Monday, as his son arrived  to drive him to the doctor, we realized he hadn’t received a reminder.  Called the office just to be sure, and they informed him there was no use coming in, because his doctor had retired and left town. He asked if they had arranged for him to see someone else.  No. Had they set up another appointment?  Again, no.  Why hadn’t they notified him that he had apparently been dropped by their system? They said they had been too busy.  Help! Hospitals may ghost you.

Getting an elderly person to his doctor appointments is often a time intensive  effort.  A friend, child, caregiver or spouse has to get him showered and dressed before escorting him to the car or van.  Hopefully, they will find a handicapped parking space near the door.  Carefully, they get him out of the car, into the building, and up the elevator.  But let’s say that when they arrive, they’re informed they don’t have an appointment after all.  In this case,  numerous scheduled  patients and their caregivers will have spent precious energy and time getting them there. Worse yet, no other provider is willing or able to see him. He could go home and expire, for all they care.

How in the world has the quality of patient care deteriorated so drastically in the past few years?  Apparently, it’s because most doctors have left private practice to work for managed care in  hospital systems.  Their contract is based on generating a certain amount of revenue.  The more patients they see per day, the more “productive” they’re seen by the powers that be.  Doctors who spend too much time with their patients may not get their contracts renewed and have to move on.

The average specialist sees between 15 to 20 patients per day.  However, there are some hardworking physicians who may see up to 60 patients a day.  If they work a 50 hour week, how much time do they have to spend with  individual patients?  Six minutes, maybe.  Do they like it?  No.  But the hospital that employs them is pleased as punch, because they’re making more money on that doctor.

Some hospital systems expect more from their physicians than others.  Those that demand higher  productivity often don’t have enough doctors on staff.  In fact, they may get to the point where few  doctors want to work for them.  When that happens, the patient gets a poor quality of care, or maybe no care at all.

Help!  Hospitals may ghost you.