The cleveland clinic 审查

I was referred to the Cleveland Clinic endocrinology department by my cardiologist to assure my hypertension was not related to my endocrine system. I subsequently scheduled the appointment and received confirmation with visit instructions. My wife and I then drove 5 hours to my appointment, parked, entered the main facility and eventually found our way to where we needed to be. The normal routine of check-in, insurance, etc. was performed and I was directed to another area of the building for my appointment. Eventually I was led to an examination room with a few more questions, blood pressure, temp, etc. This process took about an hour, then another ½ hour awaiting the Endocrinologist to arrive. All was well at this point, assuming 1 ½ hours is standard wait time for this type of visit.

This is where the experience changes a bit. The Endocrinologist did not know who I was or why I was at Cleveland Clinic. I asked if they had read the referral information and the answer was no since their office had not received any information. For the next 45 minutes I proceeded to provide history on my condition, my understanding of why I was at Cleveland Clinic and provided a copy of recent blood work. The Endocrinologist suggested we do additional blood work, asked if I wanted a COVID booster, suggested an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening and suggested scheduling another appointment with the Cleveland Clinic Spine Medical Center, since during part of the conversation I mentioned stenosis in my neck. I still get those appointment recommendations every time I log into the patient portal MyChart.

I left the appointment a bit puzzled as to why the Endocrinologist did not have any background referral information and I found it strange the appointment was confirmed without having that detail. I proceeded to the blood work area which was a great experience. In and out in a timely manner and the nurse drawing the blood was exceptional. However, I found it odd 6 or 7 tubes of blood were drawn. My wife and I left to drive another 5 hours back home. Quite a long day.

I never heard back from the Endocrinologist so I went to the patient portal MyChart and asked for the results which were subsequently posted. I noticed many of the blood tests done had already been performed by the referring doctor and my PCP, so puzzled as to why repeated. I asked the Endocrinologist to provide a medical opinion after reading through the referral information. Apparently, the Endocrinologist office does not have access to the Cleveland Clinic Referral System so they asked me to have my doctor send them the information. My doctor’s office resent the referral information, but stated they could only send to the Cleveland Clinic Referral Office per procedure. Well, this went back and forth for weeks. As far as I know, the Endocrinologist never did receive any information which I still think is very strange. Why accept a referral appointment without referral information and background. This should be mandatory before scheduling an appointment.

Now the bills start surfacing. If you don’t login to the patient portal MyChart, then you don’t even know a bill exists. Eventually, I received a USPS paper bill for the Endocrinologist services which was paid upon receipt. I still have not received a USPS paper bill for the blood work, but the charges are exorbitant especially since many of the tests had already been done. I then contacted the billing office, explained my experience, mentioned that many of the blood tests should not have been repeated and if done at my local Quest or Lab Corp would have been ½ the cost. I was hoping for some type of concession due to my experience and was sent over to the Cleveland Clinic Ombudsman office where I detailed my experience. I received a call back a week or so later telling me there is nothing they could do, but their reason was based on non-factual incorrect information. I proceeded to offer insight into the correct details, however, I was told the decision was final and they would not review further. Wow! The Ombudsman office did mention they would look at changing their process, but no commitment nor insight into what type of changes would be made. I don’t think anything will be changing since their decision was based on inaccurate information which suggests everything happened as designed.

Bottom line, if you have a referral don’t trust the Cleveland Clinic process works and demand referral background is received and reviewed prior to confirming an appointment. Also, if blood work is part of the process, review the suggested tests to assure no repeats and opt to have blood drawn at your local Quest or Lab Corp which will be ½ the cost.

I absolutely ❤️ the Cleveland Clinic! The care I received there was outstanding. The doctors were knowledgeable and compassionate. They took the time to listen to my concerns and provided me with the best possible care. I am forever grateful to them.

I have been a customer of the Cleveland Clinic for many years and I have always had a great experience. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the quality of care is excellent. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of medical services.

The Cleveland Clinic is truly a world-class medical institution. The staff is friendly, efficient, and highly skilled. I have had several procedures done at the clinic and I have always been impressed with the level of care I receive. I wouldn't trust my health to anyone else.

The Cleveland Clinic is an amazing company to work for. The management is excellent and the work environment is great. I have been working here for two years and I am very satisfied with my experience. The company truly cares about its employees and provides great benefits.

Working at The Cleveland Clinic has been a fulfilling experience. The company provides great opportunities for growth and advancement. The work-life balance is valued, and the team is supportive. I am proud to be a part of this organization.

My experience at The Cleveland Clinic was excellent. The doctors and staff were professional and caring. They took the time to explain everything to me and answer all of my questions. The clinic is clean and well-maintained. I would highly recommend it.

I have been a patient at the clinic for several years and I am always impressed with the level of care I receive. The doctors and staff are highly skilled and professional. They truly go above and beyond to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.

The Cleveland Clinic is the best medical institution in the area. The doctors are top-notch and the facilities are state-of-the-art. I have complete trust in their expertise and highly recommend them to anyone in need of medical care.

I love the Cleveland Clinic! 😊 The doctors and nurses are always so caring and supportive. They make me feel comfortable and at ease during my visits. I would definitely recommend this clinic to others.