As an instructor in the Medical Administration program at Career Training Solutions, I'd like to respond to Mark Messer's letter ["Is health care about profit or principles? It's hard to tell," Sept. 15].
Mr. Messer is correct in stating that he should be greeted in a polite, professional manner.
Our students spend a lot of time learning how to make patients their first priority. We focus on treating each patient as an individual, answering questions, anticipating needs, and helping to educate them about their particular insurance requirements.
It is hard for patients to navigate a maze of medical paperwork. We are learning that, as medical professionals, it is our duty to help our patients make sense of this complicated process.
While it may be inconvenient to reschedule an appointment, your doctor's office is looking after your best interest. Should the referral be denied or delayed, you may be accountable for the charges. It is unfortunate that treatment may be postponed until insurance issues are resolved.
Our students are learning how to anticipate these issues, plan ahead to be in compliance with insurance requirements, and provide patients with the best-quality care.
It is unfortunate that Mr. Messer was overlooked by his doctor, and we realize that no patient should be made to feel this way. Doctors are not involved with payment issues; the billing department handles these duties.
We know medicine and medical care is changing. As future medical employees, the students at Career Training Solutions are learning new and better ways of treating and caring for patients.
The future of medicine lies in excellent customer care. Our students look forward to the day when they can bring this ideal into the workplace.
Linda VinnedgeSpotsylvania
Linda Vinnedge is an instructor at Career Training Solutions.