Time to find a new doc.

TFaudree_ERAU · November 29th, 2007, 11:46

I just got off the phone with my doctor's billing dept. regarding a bill that I received for my last flight physical. In addition to the $160 first class medical exam, which I consider to be grossly overpriced, I also had a cerumen impact removal procedure done in my right ear. The charge for that was $91.70. I mentioned this in a previous thread here, and the consensus was that it shouldn't cost much more than $35-40. ESPECIALLY when there was nothing but hot water coming out of the serenge.

That being said, doc, should I find another doctor that is more fairly priced, and if I do, do I have the right to remove my records from their office and give them to the new office I attend?

Just a little pissed at this rip off right now. Now I know how he affords his C182RG and R44 heli.

Gonzo · November 29th, 2007, 11:52

My Doc has a R44 and a pad at the office to fly to work. A 1st class is only $80. $160 Wow

newty · November 29th, 2007, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by TFaudree_ERAU

In addition to the $160 first class medical exam, which I consider to be grossly overpriced,

Thats insane! I believe I pay 70$ for my 1st class medicals, and for a while they gave 1st class medicals to CFIs for 15$

TFaudree_ERAU · November 29th, 2007, 12:17

Yeah, this cat is definitely taking advantage of the fact that he's the only AME within 50 miles.

My Flight Surgeon · November 29th, 2007, 12:28

Price is a community thing. There are costs involved in operating an office. Here in Phoenix, the cost af a First Class medical is $90, $150 with ECG. Realize that the ECG machines wer erecently standardized and the FAA requires you have one that can link with their system. They cost anywhere from $3000 on up. In most communities, a standard office call ranges from $75-90 so the medical exam is probably right in line with these charges.

If the cost is less than the cost of one hour of renting a single engine airplane, it probably in line with the other costs of flying.

In some areas, the AME is ripping people off - I know of one community where Class 3 exams are $225 - way too much.

The $90 for the ear wash is high. I agree, $40 is more in the range of correct price. If he had to use his skills to manually remove the cerumen with an instrument, then the $90 is probably about what the prevailing charge is across the country.

If you change docs, you can request he transfer your records to the new doc. He is required by law to do so at no cost to you.

TFaudree_ERAU · November 29th, 2007, 12:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

Price is a community thing. There are costs involved in operating an office. Here in Phoenix, the cost af a First Class medical is $90, $150 with ECG. Realize that the ECG machines wer erecently standardized and the FAA requires you have one that can link with their system. They cost anywhere from $3000 on up. In most communities, a standard office call ranges from $75-90 so the medical exam is probably right in line with these charges.

Are you saying that $160 was appropriate if I had an ECG? I didn't have one done, and even if I had, I would have had to go up to the local hospital, as the AME's office doesn't have the equipment.

Dugie8 · November 29th, 2007, 13:12

I pay about 135 bucks for a first class here in RST. About the same price over at the Mayo, but you will drag me kicking and screaming to an FAA medical at the Mayo.

TheShortOne · November 29th, 2007, 15:02

you are entitled to your records by law. you can go in, request a copy of all your records and take them with you to the new doc's office.

My Flight Surgeon · November 29th, 2007, 16:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by TFaudree_ERAU

Are you saying that $160 was appropriate if I had an ECG? I didn't have one done, and even if I had, I would have had to go up to the local hospital, as the AME's office doesn't have the equipment.

With no ECG it is high.

My Flight Surgeon · November 29th, 2007, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheShortOne

you are entitled to your records by law. you can go in, request a copy of all your records and take them with you to the new doc's office.

If the doc forwards them to another provider for ongoing care, there will be no charge. If you just go in to request copies of your recoirds, they can charge you for the photocopying.

TheShortOne · November 30th, 2007, 08:27

can you just walk in and ask for (and take) the originals or do they have to keep a copy for their records?

My Flight Surgeon · November 30th, 2007, 08:50

They are required to keep the originals. The standard is 7 years in most states.

Also remember, it will take someone time to copy them and they may set aside time to do this each week. Many places just copy one day a week.

JaceTheAce · December 4th, 2007, 05:04

I pay $80 for a 1st Class in La Jolla, CA! The doc says he hasn't changed his fee since 1982.

Bandit_Driver · December 6th, 2007, 00:48

I pay about $75 in the DTW area for a 1ST.

I know in Michigan the doc's usually charge about $10 for copying and/or mailing the records.

JDMcFly · January 10th, 2008, 11:03

I know this is an old thread, but jeez.

I just called to look into getting a first class physical. I won't need a first class for at least another year or two, but I wanted to make sure I could pass before dumping a bunch of money.

$180 dollars, without EKG.

edit:. $290 with..

I think I may look into traveling a bit.

My Flight Surgeon · January 10th, 2008, 13:46

$80 to $100 is the range in most areas for a Class 1.

Itchy · January 10th, 2008, 15:10

I have always lived under the advice to NEVER have anything (procedure etc.) done by your FAA doc, except get a medical.
Keep your medical doctors separate from your FAA docs! Seems like fair advice..

BTW, Doc, thanks for being here!

38bat · January 10th, 2008, 20:58

Wow, I guess I got a bargain at $55!

JDMcFly · January 10th, 2008, 21:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by My Flight Surgeon

$80 to $100 is the range in most areas for a Class 1.

I know! That's why I was kinda taken back when the receptionist/whatever told me. I have an appointment for another place 30 miles away for $100 dollars.

Pietrantonio · January 11th, 2008, 03:46

Paid $70 for my medical.

killbilly · January 11th, 2008, 08:39

Since everyone else is posting, I paid $80 for my 3rd-class Medical. And I had to go twice.

scottyboy75 · January 11th, 2008, 08:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzo

My Doc has a R44 and a pad at the office to fly to work. A 1st class is only $80. $160 Wow

Your doc wins hands down!
Shane

JDE · January 11th, 2008, 10:49

Dang, when I lived in Dallas, the doc I went to charged $35 for 1/2/3 class medicals. That was a couple of years ago though, so I'm not sure what the price is now. That would be a great place to network too...that waiting room was full of pilots!

My doc now charges $80. Not too bad, especially considering I don't have to pay for it.

gomntwins · January 11th, 2008, 17:16

For once, it would seem, people living in large cities are better off than people living in areas that aren't as densely populated. In phoenix I was paying around $80.00 for a first class-- but there were a number of doctors in the city, so it was easy to shop for the cheapest price. Out here in the middle of south dakota i pay about $150.00 (this is the only thing I've found that's more pricey in this state than AZ) for a first class. I happily pay, because it's not worth the 180 mile drive to the next closest doctor who can give out the first class to save $50. Competition does keep costs down.

mojo6911 · January 12th, 2008, 18:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDE

Dang, when I lived in Dallas, the doc I went to charged $35 for 1/2/3 class medicals. That was a couple of years ago though, so I'm not sure what the price is now. That would be a great place to network too...that waiting room was full of pilots!

Still the same price, and he is still around. Quite famous in the DFW area. Well worth the 30 minute drive for me.

November 29th, 2007, 11:46	#1
TFaudree_ERAU Old Skool Join Date: May 2006 Location: Virginia is for Lovers, yacht chasing on the weekends Posts: 1,797	Time to find a new doc. I just got off the phone with my doctor's billing dept. regarding a bill that I received for my last flight physical. In addition to the $160 first class medical exam, which I consider to be grossly overpriced, I also had a cerumen impact removal procedure done in my right ear. The charge for that was $91.70. I mentioned this in a previous thread here, and the consensus was that it shouldn't cost much more than $35-40. ESPECIALLY when there was nothing but hot water coming out of the serenge. That being said, doc, should I find another doctor that is more fairly priced, and if I do, do I have the right to remove my records from their office and give them to the new office I attend? Just a little pissed at this rip off right now. Now I know how he affords his C182RG and R44 heli.

November 29th, 2007, 12:17	#4
TFaudree_ERAU Old Skool Join Date: May 2006 Location: Virginia is for Lovers, yacht chasing on the weekends Posts: 1,797	Re: Time to find a new doc. Yeah, this cat is definitely taking advantage of the fact that he's the only AME within 50 miles.

November 29th, 2007, 12:28	#5
My Flight Surgeon Sr. Aviation Medical Examiner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 2,250	Re: Time to find a new doc. Price is a community thing. There are costs involved in operating an office. Here in Phoenix, the cost af a First Class medical is $90, $150 with ECG. Realize that the ECG machines wer erecently standardized and the FAA requires you have one that can link with their system. They cost anywhere from $3000 on up. In most communities, a standard office call ranges from $75-90 so the medical exam is probably right in line with these charges. If the cost is less than the cost of one hour of renting a single engine airplane, it probably in line with the other costs of flying. In some areas, the AME is ripping people off - I know of one community where Class 3 exams are $225 - way too much. The $90 for the ear wash is high. I agree, $40 is more in the range of correct price. If he had to use his skills to manually remove the cerumen with an instrument, then the $90 is probably about what the prevailing charge is across the country. If you change docs, you can request he transfer your records to the new doc. He is required by law to do so at no cost to you. __________________ Walter Forred, MD PHX 602-368-5633 www.myflightsurgeon.com Last edited by My Flight Surgeon; November 29th, 2007 at 12:35. Reason: Typo with big fingers

November 29th, 2007, 13:12	#7
Dugie8 Old Skool Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: KRST Posts: 1,819	Re: Time to find a new doc. I pay about 135 bucks for a first class here in RST. About the same price over at the Mayo, but you will drag me kicking and screaming to an FAA medical at the Mayo. __________________ Aircraft without engine(s) prohibited... -KMIA 10-9

November 29th, 2007, 15:02	#8
TheShortOne Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Park City, UT Posts: 3,320	Re: Time to find a new doc. you are entitled to your records by law. you can go in, request a copy of all your records and take them with you to the new doc's office.

November 30th, 2007, 08:27	#11
TheShortOne Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Park City, UT Posts: 3,320	Re: Time to find a new doc. can you just walk in and ask for (and take) the originals or do they have to keep a copy for their records?

November 30th, 2007, 08:50	#12
My Flight Surgeon Sr. Aviation Medical Examiner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 2,250	Re: Time to find a new doc. They are required to keep the originals. The standard is 7 years in most states. Also remember, it will take someone time to copy them and they may set aside time to do this each week. Many places just copy one day a week. __________________ Walter Forred, MD PHX 602-368-5633 www.myflightsurgeon.com

December 4th, 2007, 05:04	#13
JaceTheAce Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Most of the time in the air Posts: 7,329	Re: Time to find a new doc. I pay $80 for a 1st Class in La Jolla, CA! The doc says he hasn't changed his fee since 1982. __________________ "Time spent flying is not deducted from one's lifespan." Free The Grapes!

December 6th, 2007, 00:48	#14
Bandit_Driver Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: DTW Posts: 1,709	Re: Time to find a new doc. I pay about $75 in the DTW area for a 1ST. I know in Michigan the doc's usually charge about $10 for copying and/or mailing the records. __________________ OOTSK Logbook Pro - Electronic Pilots Logbook

January 10th, 2008, 11:03	#15
JDMcFly Old Skool Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New York Posts: 1,664	Re: Time to find a new doc. I know this is an old thread, but jeez. I just called to look into getting a first class physical. I won't need a first class for at least another year or two, but I wanted to make sure I could pass before dumping a bunch of money. $180 dollars, without EKG. edit:. $290 with.. I think I may look into traveling a bit. Last edited by JDMcFly; January 10th, 2008 at 11:49.

January 10th, 2008, 13:46	#16
My Flight Surgeon Sr. Aviation Medical Examiner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 2,250	Re: Time to find a new doc. $80 to $100 is the range in most areas for a Class 1. __________________ Walter Forred, MD PHX 602-368-5633 www.myflightsurgeon.com

January 10th, 2008, 15:10	#17
Itchy Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 143	Re: Time to find a new doc. I have always lived under the advice to NEVER have anything (procedure etc.) done by your FAA doc, except get a medical. Keep your medical doctors separate from your FAA docs! Seems like fair advice.. BTW, Doc, thanks for being here!

January 10th, 2008, 20:58	#18
38bat Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 106	Re: Time to find a new doc. Wow, I guess I got a bargain at $55!

January 11th, 2008, 03:46	#20
Pietrantonio Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Brooklyn,NY Posts: 426	Re: Time to find a new doc. Paid $70 for my medical. __________________ "The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goals! The tragedy lies in having no goals to reach."

January 11th, 2008, 08:39	#21
killbilly Old Skool Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,054	Re: Time to find a new doc. Since everyone else is posting, I paid $80 for my 3rd-class Medical. And I had to go twice. __________________ "The first rule of Flight Club is you do not talk about Flight Club."

January 11th, 2008, 10:49	#23
JDE Old Skool Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 1,515	Re: Time to find a new doc. Dang, when I lived in Dallas, the doc I went to charged $35 for 1/2/3 class medicals. That was a couple of years ago though, so I'm not sure what the price is now. That would be a great place to network too...that waiting room was full of pilots! My doc now charges $80. Not too bad, especially considering I don't have to pay for it. __________________ Jason

January 11th, 2008, 17:16	#24
gomntwins Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Dakota Posts: 477	Re: Time to find a new doc. For once, it would seem, people living in large cities are better off than people living in areas that aren't as densely populated. In phoenix I was paying around $80.00 for a first class-- but there were a number of doctors in the city, so it was easy to shop for the cheapest price. Out here in the middle of south dakota i pay about $150.00 (this is the only thing I've found that's more pricey in this state than AZ) for a first class. I happily pay, because it's not worth the 180 mile drive to the next closest doctor who can give out the first class to save $50. Competition does keep costs down.

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