Dr. Joseph Gregory Jones, MD

I had a very confounding experience at this doctor’s office. I accompanied a friend who was referred there by her regular eye doctor for a serious condition. We arrived at the office and proceeded to fill out all the appropriate documents. At this point the receptionist asked for her social security card. She provided her original U.S. tax id document and passport for identification. The receptionists attitude completely changed at this point. She said they only see people with a social security card... not just the number but they actually have to bring the card. I find this strange considering the social security administration recommends not to carry the card. Secondly, we explained she was willing to prepay if they were concerned about an outstanding bill. That was not acceptable. I explained that the tax id was issued by the social security administration and accepted by just about every institution. She said they were a private practice and that is their policy. I asked to… speak to the manager and after leaving for a minute she came back and said she would not talk to me and reiterated their policy. I understand that practices have the right to set their policies but I am questioning whether this policy is ethical. I can’t help but feel it is completely racist. I just can’t fathom what logical motive they would have. It means to weed out anyone that is not a permanent resident of this country. My friend was not someone that walked in off the street. She brought a referral form from another doctor. She had a federal document to prove who she was, a passport, an appointment, a real need to see the doctor, the funds to PREPAY as offered..... I can’t make any sense of this. And I may add, neither her or I at any point behave badly. We did everything short of begging. I hope and pray that if I ever find myself abroad with a serious eye injury and seek medical treatment for which I am prepared to pay immediately, that I will be treated better than this.