When it comes to seeing a doc and keeping your job; well the two go hand-in-hand. Many employers require sick workers to provide a doctor’s note, proving they’re sick. Ironically, many sick employees can’t even get in to see their family doc.
I once had a friend who went through this same dilemma, and ended up losing her job. She couldn’t get into the doctors and thus couldn’t prove that she was truly sick. There was no way to get that doctor’s note. Because of the economy, her employer was just looking for reasons to get
rid of people, and she was the first to go. There was absolutely nothing that she could do about it. She lost her job, and her health insurance. It is a vicious cycle.
Are you still waiting to see the doctor? Well, you’re probably not alone, unless you live in Miami. Merritt Hawkins & Associates conducted a recent survey to see how long it would take patients to actually get in to see their family physician. The results might amaze you, unless you live in Boston where you’re used to waiting for months at a time to see your family doc. It’s harder the get a doctor’s note than you may think.
Patients in Boston, Mass have to wait an average of 63 days before seeing their doctor! Imagine if you’re suffering from the flu and have to prove to your employer that you’re actually sick so that he won’t fire you on the spot. But you can’t prove that you’re sick until two months from now, when your completely healthy again but jobless. It sounds a bit ridiculous to me.
Lucky Miami residents can see their family doc within a week. They get sick on Monday, and they’re in by Friday, sometimes sooner. No worries when it comes to getting that employer an official doctor’s note.
Health care and VIP treatment definitely do not go hand-in-hand, unless you’re a part of our health care solution. Picture taking the day off of work because you’re feeling pretty rough. You call your family physician and get in the same day. It’s happening across the nation for NIC members. Club members don’t worry about losing their job because they can’t get that all important doctors note. It’s a revolution.
Oh, and don’t worry. The No Insurance Club is working on Boston!!
