I'll start off from the very beginning. About one year ago, my PCP tested me through blood tests…read morefor allergies. The results were moderate to severe allergies to pollen, certain types of trees, and dust. These allergies were contributing to frequent sinus infections/ colds. My PCP helped me manage them then.
Fast forward to the present: I had a physical with my PCP, and had mentioned to him I noticed a swollen lymph node which has stayed consistently the same size for few months now, along with increased headaches, and noticed I had continued to experience sinus infections or colds rather frequently. He mentioned I was likely experiencing increased allergy symptoms which were contributing to the sinus infections/ colds. However, due to the new onset of swollen node, he recommended I see an ENT for palpation of my neck/throat and consultation of possibility of chronic sinusitis. I was recommended to this office... I don't know why, but I followed this recommendation. For my first session, I was seen 45 minutes after my original appointment time, to be seen by Dr. Brunetti for about 5 minutes, and barely being able to get a word in. He did a nasal endoscopy, which I surely deemed necessary if the point was to rule in/out sinusitis at this time. I, and my PCP, mainly wanted to have a palpation of my neck to have some insight on the swollen lymph node. He did a rather quick palpation of my neck and right away decided it was not concerning, and seemed to be a reactive lymph node from my allergies and my swollen nasal passages. I told him I recently had allergy testing done, and I am really visiting this office for a conclusion on why I have these swollen lymph nodes. If he deemed them non-concerning, I did not see the reason on why continue with this allergy testing if I had recently gotten it done. However, he responded with saying the testing done in this office is extensive and will give more answers. Due to the quick interaction with him, I agreed to the process of the allergy testing. He gave me a nasal spray prescription and sent me on my way.
Second appointment for my 1st part of allergy testing: I was seen 1 hour after my appt time and I was not made aware of having a copayment for this visit. Dr. Songh was lovely, really took her time with me, and was very thorough. To no surprise, first part of testing showed I was allergic to dust and pollen.
Third appointment: Again, seen an hour after my appointment time, for second part of testing and final visit with Dr. Brunetti. At the front desk, I suddenly had a copayment. After clarifying, the front desk receptionist makes me aware that this visit is actually two copayments, and that I should have been charged for my last visit. This was extremely disappointing, as each visit was $60. Suddenly, I had to pay $120 for two visits, apparently have 1 bill of a copayment on the way. My allergy testing, surprisingly, showed I was allergic to pollen, dust, and some trees. Almost like I had mentioned my prior allergy blood testing showed about one year ago. I then have my appointment with Dr. Brunetti. Dr. Brunetti did not let me talk, talked down to me about my knowledge of my allergies/ the allergy season, quickly did a palpation of my lymph nodes to tell me there were no more swollen nodes. I pointed out the exact location of the same lymph node, which has not had any changes from last time. He then corrects himself and says "if you want, we can do an ultrasound." How comforting and secure! Without educating me on what he is checking, he then runs another nasal endoscopy after telling him I felt better with my allergies. Said nasal endoscopy is charged as a procedure to the insurance companies, and cost me $300 for my first appointment.
If I was thoroughly listened to during my first appointment, I 1. would not have wasted my time for three upcoming appointments, of which I was seen an hour later each time, 2. would not be billed an absurd amount of money for this unnecessary allergy testing, 3. Would probably feel much much better about my swollen lymph nodes, with a better understanding.
This was so, so disappointing. With weeks and weeks in this process, I came out of these appointments with the same exact allergy results from recently, one $300 bill from ONE appointment (and am sure will have good hefty bills from the next three sessions), and same answer about my lymph nodes from the first session, with added "if you want, we can get an ultrasound." Thank God they are not concerning, but putting the ball in my court, as if I know what to do, was not comforting.
