I highly discourage anyone from interacting with Medgroup.
Sadly, Medgroup represents the worst elements of free-market healthcare in America. Medgroup is not a hospital nor a clinic, most of which are not-for-profit. Medgroup is a private, for-profit urgent care center. These are set up by doctors and investors to make money by providing basic services of lower quality at higher costs in the name of convenience. This business model presumes that clients are indifferent about quality and value as long as their insurance covers the expenses. Thus, as doctor can cash-in on his/her "Dr." title while taking advantage of patients by providing sub-standard care.
Medgroup...is like a knock-of brand of Nikes. It has the look and feel of a real clinic, but one run with them and you'll know immediately that something is very, very off. Here are some of the indicators.
A real clinic...has a DOCTOR on site.
At Medgroup, the attending doctor - the physician responsible - is nowhere to be found. In his place is (according to all of staff) another "doctor." This second person (let's say, "Dr. ABC") uses the title of doctor, wears a white coat, carries a clipboard, and has a busy, authoritative manner. Unfortunately, this person is NOT actually a doctor - they are a PA! (Physician's Assistant.) Very, very different.
I can't speak to the legality of this deception, but I do know that it throws a wrench in the gears of care delivery. For example, an outside service provider cannot send any of your files to your "Dr. ABC at Medgroup" because no such person is listed among physicians! Instead, your private information might be faxed to "Dr. ABC"...at UH or the CC. Yay for secure medical records. :-(
A real clinic...can perform at least some SERVICES ON SITE. At Medgroup you have to go outside for everything: blood work, x-rays, CT scans, etc.
A real clinic...issues general SERVICE ORDERS.
Medgroup, however, instructs patients to have their orders filled specifically at Network Radiology, Inc. Medgroup does not even write your order on a traditional, generic doctor's script. They write it in on an "order form" with Network Radiology letterhead! I was disgusted, but not shocked, by the fact that Medgroup clearly receives compensation for its client referrals. But I WAS shocked by how aggressively the Medgroup staff seek to force the arrangement upon patients.
A real clinic...does not RESTRICT YOUR CHOICES, yet those at Medgroup openly expressed irritation when I chose a different (and better and cheaper) service provider than Network Radiology to fill my orders.
People: don't be bullied, you can fill your scripts where ever you choose! Exercise your freedoms even if the folks at Medgroup have decided that this freedom is contentious.
Lastly, a real clinic...has COMPETENT, PROFESSIONAL STAFF.
Medgroup has trouble concealing its sketchy vibe from patients. The receptionist over the phone is remarkably nasty (and hard to understand in English). The intake assistants make it abundantly clear that they hate their job (if not life overall). And the big-shot doctor (if you can reach him) is very curt and seems filled with disdain for his patients. The PA is quite knowledgeable, attentive, and fast - but again: legal to be running the show?
Suffice to say, Medgroup's failures are hiding in plain sight. Take your health elsewhere. read more
