My PCP left the practice, so I scheduled my wellness check with Dr. Panah b/c she was available. She was lovely. She was asked several questions, and I didn't feel like she was rushing off to the next patient. Little did I know that b/c an issue came up during our conversation, that my wellness check turned into a billable visit, including the annual blood work. She wrote an Rx for a colonoscopy; at my age, I'm due for a baseline anyway. I am 100% certain I'm going to be billed $1k+ for the procedure b/c the Rx was not written as baseline/preventative - it was for cause.
My close friend is an internist as said this is why she left corporate medicine. She would typically allow a question or two (beyond the wellness check) before charging the patient. Docs are ENCOURAGED to do this. The office would even rearrange my friend's schedule so that she saw "high paying" patients in lieu of us, healthy people, who actually take care of ourselves. I am furious and will never go back to St. Clair Medical Group - Internal Medicine. You've been warned - if during a wellness check, the doc acts concerned and asks a question - then ask if you are going to be billed for the visit and all peripheral services rendered....or smile and say nope - I'm fine.

Submitted Sept. 9, 2023