You know you have a cheap HMO when:
YOU'VE JOINED A CHEAP HMO WHEN...
* Pedal-powered dialysis machines.
* Use of
Antibiotics deemed an "unauthorized experimental procedure."
* Head-wound victim in the waiting room is on the last chapter of "War and Peace."
* You ask for v1agra. You get a Popsicle stick and duct tape.
* Annual breast exam conducted at Hooters.
* Exam room has a tip jar.
* You swear you saw salad tongs and a crab fork on the instrument tray just before the anesthesia kicked in.
* "Will you be paying in eggs or pelts?"
* Tight budget prevents acquisition of separate rectal thermometers.
* "Take two leeches and call me in the morning."
* The company logo features a hand squeezing a bleeding turnip.
* Tongue depressors taste faintly of Fudgesicle.
* Covered post-natal care consists of leaving your baby on Mia Farrow's doorstep.
* Radiation treatment for cancer patients requires them to walk around with a postcard from Chernobyl in their pocket.
* "Pre-natal vitamin" prescription is a box of Tic-Tacs.
* Chief Surgeon graduated from University of Benihana.
* Directions to your doctor's office include, "take a left when you enter the trailer park."
* Doctor listens to your heart through a paper towel tube.
* Only item listed under Preventive Care feature of coverage is "an apple a day."
* Only participating Physicians are Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine.
* Only proctologist in the plan is "Gus" from Roto-Rooter.
* Plan covers only "group" gynecological exams.
* Preprinted prescription pads that say "Walk it off, candy ass."
* To avoid a time consuming and expensive throat culture, the doctor just French kisses you.
* Recycled bandages
* You can get your flu shot as soon as the hypodermic needle is dry.
* Your "primary care physician" is wearing the pants you gave to goodwill last month.
* 24-hour claims line is 1-800-TUF-LUCK
* Costly MRI equipment efficiently replaced by an oversized 2-sided copier.
* Enema? The lavatory faucet swivels to face upward.