Billings Clinic

So I’m in the doctor about my acid reflux. They prescribed me Prilosec which is what called a proton pump inhibitor which I asked them not to prescribe in the first place. Basically, it neutralizes your stomach acid. How will your body absorb any nutrients or break down the food you eat without acid? PPHs also increase your chances of getting osteoporosis because again without stomach acid you aren’t getting the nutrients to help prevent that.
So I asked the doctor why they prescribed that drug and they said its what they are told to do thru the standard of practice for my symptoms. I then asked them based on the Side effects why would they prescribe something that they know will physically harm my body, they said– for me they have no other medical options… Smh you spend thousands and thousands of dollars to go to school learn all this stuff and the only thing you can say is the only way to help me is to harm me? Sure sounds contradictory to me… Sure throw the Hippocratic oath out the window. Way to go!!!

This place is massive. It really gives you the vibe of a big city hospital that just goes on for blocks and blocks and blocks. It’s definitely confusing to find where (and what building) you need to be in. Everyone was plesant and helpful BECAUSE let’s face it the last place anyone wants to be is in a hospital. I have been very impressed with the sense of urgency (but thorough) care I received today.

Regarding the Eye Clinic: The overall feeling upon entering the waiting room is «cattle call.» Perhaps the goal is to shove in as many patients as possible, damn the quality!!! The front desk was nice, although they had no idea how to process my vision insurance (which is provided through Billings Clinic!). The tech who brought me back to weigh and measure (for an eye exam?) and take blood pressure, did all of these incorrectly. I asked if I should remove my heavy boots, winter coat before weighing and measuring, she said it didn’t matter (now I am 1.5 inches taller!). For the blood pressure, I tried to remove my heavy winter sweater, layered over another shirt… and she said it did not matter. So, all of my measurements were wrong. I had to remind her that I needed to take out my contacts before she did some of the tests. Bottom line, I did not trust ANYTHING she did. The doctor was a typical bland eye doctor, no real complaints. But I was just left in rooms for long periods with no explanation. I eventually left, cancelled the appointments for the rest of my family and was «cared for» elsewhere. It was worth it to spend extra to see someone out of the preferred network.

The staff here was friendly and helpful. It is a large facility that more than likely has any type of physician or specialist you might need. It is centrally located and easy to find parking at the facility.
I wasn’t completely satisfied with the doctor I went to see but that can change. A word of warning though, watch out for students working in the lab. I had a student trying to draw my blood which didn’t end well but a supervisor stepped in and took over the job without causing too much harm to my arms.