A warning about the latest Medical Scam. This scam is preying on the most vulnerable in society with the greatest medical needs. It plays on the hopes and greatest fears of many senior citizens and it comes with a big price tag to those who can least afford it. My mom recently received a letter from her internist inviting her to listen to a proposal regarding a "new service" being offered by his practice. She went to the meeting with no information on what would be proposed. My parents already pay in excess of $12,000 for their medical coverage between Medicare Part B and Part D, AARP supplemental and co-pays for medication.

She was greeted warmly at the meeting. She was then introduced to something called a concierges service. The doctor wanted to recruit 600 of his patients into this program. For a fee, a substantial fee I might add, he would set aside three hours a day for these special patients. He would "provide quicker access and possibly additional time." There would be no guarantee that they would see him, they could still be shunted off to his physician extender. The elderly can be especially duped into this, because they fear that their access to medical care will be delayed or cut off completely if they do not sign up.

The price tag for this special treatment is $1,800 per year. Paid up front, or financed at a fee. The whole thing is put together by a third party. I want to know how much money they get for administrating this program. If the doctor gets $1,000 of the fee times 600 patients, that's $600,000. I say no way! If everyone says no, then everyone will be treated the same as they have always been. Don't give in to the slick sales tactics. If you are invited to a meeting of this kind, go to it, listen and say no. If your parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts or cousins are invited to a meeting, make sure they understand that they do not have to fork over the little money they have to ensure they get the medical care they deserve.

Linda O. Fostek