Bringing up the peeve on Indian outsourcing----their reps are only as good as their training. Some companies train a whole lot better than others---that's why I've had no problems with some online reps and why others leave me tearing my hair out. My husband and I lived in a residential hotel in Mombai where people from all walks of the international business world came through. One afternoon I struck up the acquaintance of a young lady and she informed me that she was there to train the Indians on the outsourcing of their claims department phone calls for their US health insurance company. Laughingly, I replied, well, I sure hope that you don't represent United Health Care as we have had lots of problems with them in the past. As I continued, I commented that the right hand didn't know what the left hand was doing--one rep said this was covered another said no and the doctors' offices were going crazy and I was spending a lot of time trying to clear up insurance claims. Well, she looked at me kind of stricken and said, "Yes, I am training the Indians to outsource for United Health Care." I was not even embarrassed because of all the problems that we have had with them and I said "Well, you guys have some problems". And she commented that that was why she was over there. She agreed that they did and that they were working on it. She also added that as soon as they hired the best of the lot, that they would move on to better paying jobs.

Once again----if you get a rep that you think is incompetent or you can't understand them ask for another or hang up and try again---usually I get someone from the states.

and AMERICAN EXPRESS of all folks (one because of their name, and two because of their fees) to send their customer service to India. I used to really believe in Amex because they were on your side in a dispute, but now that everything is in another country, that value has been lost. And what about protection of personal info? What countries laws matter? I don't figure that India or Pakistan have strong consumer protection laws.

I wish we were in control of these health care decisions and could choose the small company that wanted our business instead of the large company spending millions of dollars to move a call center.

What pixxes me off in the health care insurance area is that the insurance companies are squeezing the doctors providing the service and have the technical skill. So what do the doctors do in response to being paid less? Spend less time with you. That makes the HMOs and Blue Cross happy ... for now, until they start paying for larger claims for missed diagnosis later. What a crazy business.

YOU have to be proactive-pure and simple----look at your age, family genetics, and lifestyle, and get with your health-provider and be pro-active. Don't wait for them if you have any doubts--you may have to pay for a large amount of it in the end but if you can then do it. And then appeal to the insurance companies if you think that it's valid coverage on their part.

First off -- thank you mama for that wonderful list. *laughs* I agreed with you on about....well... every single item listed!!! The one about phone in the bathroom reminded me of a funny joke.

And usually I do end up hanging up or asking for a supervisor when I get the "foreigners". I remember one day after about 5 cust. service guys that I couldnt understand... I called in again and heard the most wonderful voice. It was like hearing angels sing. A nice beautiful Hello with a Georgian accent. I said "OH!! Thank God!" The lady said, "I'm sorry ma'am. Have you been waiting long?" I said "No...thank God.....someone who speaks english" My gosh you shoulda heard her laugh... Hehheeee