I recently made an attempt to obtain a medical marijuana card by using a clinic that recommends itself as a possible avenue for this purpose. I obtained medical documentation of my qualifying conditions. I was denied approval based on this: documented Severe or Chronic pain, for which I have documentation, while it does stem from a medical "condition, " does not qualify as a debilitating "disease, " and therefore does not qualify for a recommendation.
Apparently the doctor working with Premier Networking, as well as Ty McGinnis himself, has not read the state statute, which states that a qualifying condition must be "a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one of the following: severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, etc..." Pain does not have to be caused by a classified "disease" to qualify.
However much I disagree with this particular doctor, interpreting the law isn't what this complaint centralizes on. My main objection isn't that the doctor wouldn't approve me: the nature of the transaction with Premier Networking, LLC is where the worst behavior took place.
First, I was not allowed to see the doctor until I paid upfront with either cash or money order. No checks, no credit cards. No way to cancel payment once I realized what was going on. Second, I had to fill out and sign paperwork with mention of my medical conditions that I witnessed Mr. McGinnis read before I saw the doctor.
After the doctor's denial, Mr. McGinnis told me that upon viewing my medical records in advance, he thought the doctor would not give his approval. However, this information was withheld until after the doctor was seen, so that the evaluation had already taken place and I had no option to change my mind about seeing this doctor.
In the paperwork that I had to sign in order to see the doctor, it was mentioned that there was no guarantee of a doctor approval. This is a given, but no where in the signed documentation or in the conversation leading up to the actual doctor visit was it stated that my money would not be returned if I was denied a recommendation.in fact, no where in the documentation at all does it mention anything about the nature or cost of the monetary transaction.
Not to mention, most businesses I have ever visited, including every doctor's office I have ever visited, ask for payment once goods and/or services have been received. My money was taken in advance and only after the 5 minute "evaluation" took place was I verbally informed that none of the $175 would be returned. I was not made aware that this was part of the deal.
This appears to be a unique "business" practice amongst medical marijuana clinics in the area. Other clinics have clearly stated in their advertisements that there will be no charge if a potential patient is denied.
I firmly believe Premier Networking, LLC is knowingly partaking in deceptive and misleading business practices.
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