Lapis, James L, MD

I had an appt this morning (as a 1st time pt) referred by my pulmonologist to see one of these doctors. I arrived @ 7:45, was told that because I couldn't pay my copay of $25 that I would need to reschedule. * I have ins and asked if I could be billed as I don't get paid again until the 3rd of the month and had already been for several tests @ hospital and 3 drs this month. Was told no, if you can't pay your copay, we can't see you. I then asked if I reschedule, could I go ahead and fill out a release form to get records from my previous, out of state doctor. Again, was told , No, the billing dept has those forms and will have you do them when the doctor sees you. (why would he not want to review my last colonoscopy and tests before seeing me the first time?) Finally, they mailed me pages and pages of forms to fill out, asking 3 different places for my social security # (which it is illegal and unneccessary for a doctor to have it, that's why insurances can't use it anymore and must have a different ID to file), two places/pages to list all my medicines, and lots of places to release them from liability. My faith in this practice is already gone and I haven't even seen the doctor yet. I hate that money is more important than patient care. I am 58 yrs old and worke 25+ years in medical billing/collections and I hope I never made anyone feel like they wouldn't be treated over $25.

This group of docters know what they are doing I always recomend them to others